Friends spread the word on voter ID

‘The government is bringing in voter ID, starting with the local elections in May 2023.'

Britain Yearly Meeting has urged Friends to highlight the issue of voter ID.

Writing in the Quake! newsletter, BYM said: ‘The government is bringing in voter ID, starting with the local elections in May 2023. It’s important that we remember to bring valid ID to the polling station and help spread the word among groups of people who are less likely to have valid ID.’

The government will introduce the new rules requiring photographic identification on 4 May.

MPs and campaigners have criticised the introduction of mandatory photo ID at polling booths, saying it is a waste of time and resources. They also say it bars an estimated two million adults from voting, who lack the necessary documentation.

Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson said the new requirement ‘is to guard against the potential for wrongdoing in this area of voter impersonation’. But critics have highlighted statistics showing that there have been no proven cases of in-person voter impersonation. Campaigners have also said the new rules will disproportionately affect young and old voters.

Those without ID could apply for a free voter authority certificate, issued by their council but available via a central government portal but this closed on 25 April.

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