Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the press release entitled Next round of Voter ID pilots announced for 2019, published 3 November 2018, which local authorities are (a) continuing to take part in and (b) have withdrawn from the pilot process; and what the reasons were for each local authority that has withdrawn.

The British public deserves to have confidence in our democracy. The Government is committed to making sure that our electoral system is fit for the future.

A diverse range of local authorities have confirmed that they will be taking part in Voter ID and postal vote pilots for the 2019 local elections. The pilots will provide further insight into ensuring the security of the voting process.

Since the publication of the press release entitled ‘Next round of Voter ID pilots announced for 2019’ published 3 November 2018, East Staffordshire, Peterborough, and Ribble Valley have withdrawn from the 2019 voter ID pilot scheme. We are grateful to the Returning Officers in each of these local authorities for volunteering to pilot voter ID. In each case, we respect the Returning Officer’s decision to withdraw from the May 2019 voter ID pilots. Craven Borough Council has confirmed its participation in the 2019 voter ID pilot scheme. Craven will pilot the mixed photographic and non-photographic voter ID model.

Voters in Pendle and Woking will be asked to show photo ID before they are given their ballot papers.

Broxtowe, Derby, North Kesteven, Craven and Braintree will require voters to present either one form of photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID.

Mid Sussex, Watford and North West Leicestershire will test using poll cards as a means of identification.

In addition, Pendle will run a separate postal vote pilot, looking at the security of postal votes and providing additional guidance in postal vote packs.