Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which local authorities have expressed an interest to take part in the 2019 voter ID pilots to date.

The Government is committed to making sure that our electoral system is fit for the future. Vulnerabilities cannot be allowed to undermine the integrity of our democracy and the voter ID pilots in 2019 will enable further evaluation of the impact of requiring voters to present identification before voting.

The Electoral Integrity Pilots Prospectus published in August invites expressions of interest and formal applications from local authorities. We anticipate receiving formal applications by 10 September for consideration and approval. We will make an announcement when that process is completed of which local authorities will pilot voter ID in May 2019.

The Government will continue to work closely with its key partner organisations to provide a clear and secure democracy that works for everyone.