Local Government: Elections

(asked on 6th November 2018) - View Source

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Electoral Commission's statutory evaluation of the 2018 voter ID pilot schemes, what steps his Department is taking to identify alternative forms of identification for (a) people with protected characteristics and (b) others who find it difficult to provide a passport, driving licence or travel pass.


Answered by
Chloe Smith Portrait
Chloe Smith
This question was answered on 13th November 2018

The Government is committed to making sure that our electoral system is fit for the future.

The success of the voter ID pilots in May this year proves that voter ID is a reasonable and proportionate measure. On 3 November the Government announced that eleven local authorities across England would be taking part in voter ID pilots for the 2019 local elections.

We take seriously the importance of Public Sector Equality Duty compliance at an early stage in policy development. Pilots will test a range of photographic and non-photographic ID, including poll cards. The types of ID will not be limited to a passport, driving licence or travel pass. Local authorities will continue to provide alternative methods of ID free of charge, to individuals who do not have a specified form of ID, ensuring that everyone who is registered has the opportunity to vote.

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