Voter ID checks 'calculated effort' by government to make voting harder for disadvantaged groups, warn experts

Government plans to tighten voter identification measures appear to be a “calculated effort” by ministers to make voting harder for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, experts have warned.

In its first in-depth analysis of the plans, the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) said mandatory ID checks at polling stations would “disenfranchise” millions of voters who do not hold any form of photo ID – often due to financial reasons.

Based on research of voter ID checks in the US, the study found the policy, which will force members of the public to show ID before voting, mounts “sizeable barriers” to ethnic minority and lower socio-economic backgrounds wishing to vote.

Figures suggest 3.5 million people – 7.5 per cent of the electorate – do not have access to any form of photo ID, while even more (11 million) do not have a passport or driving licence.

The report also suggests that a pilot study to be conducted in several areas of the country – most of which are in the south-east and have below-average unemployment rates – will provide insufficient data to assess the impact of a UK-wide roll-out.

Darren Hughes, chief executive of the ERS, said: “It’s hard not to see this as a calculated effort by the government to make voting harder for some citizens. As such it’s vital we think about the risks these changes pose to a free and fair franchise in the UK. We need policy based on hard facts – not rumour and innuendo.

“With millions of people lacking the right photographic ID – and no government plans for a universal, free alternative – this can only mean another barrier for honest voters. The government know this, which makes this policy all the more concerning.

“These deeply flawed trials must not be a fait accompli for the government’s plan to roll out an ill-thought policy. Mandatory voter ID is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It’s time for an evidence-based approach instead.”

The warning comes after a study by the Electoral Commission found just 28 allegations of someone having lied about their identity at a polling station in 2017, despite almost 45 million votes having been cast – suggesting concern about voter fraud is overblown.

Ciaran Price, spokesman for Migrants Resource Centre, which offers legal support to immigrants and asylum seekers, told The Independent that requiring photo ID to vote was a “solution in search of a problem”.

“Fraud is a non-issue, it almost never happens. The current system is working exactly as it should – enabling people who are entitled to vote to do exactly that. The problem with UK elections is that not enough people are voting,” he said.

“Requiring photo ID means one thing – a significant number of people may be prevented from voting and having a voice because they don’t have photo ID. This is especially true of people from migrant and BAME [black, Asian, and minority ethnic], as well as lower socio-economic backgrounds who stand to lose out most.

“We need to encourage voting, not put up unnecessary barriers to people doing their civic duty.”

Cat Smith MP, Labour’s shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs, said: “The government has been warned time and time again that restrictive voter ID requirements will make it harder for people to vote.

“By ignoring these concerns the Tories appear more determined to exclude people from the democratic process.”

The trial taking place next month will see voters in Bromley, Gosport and Woking asked to show photo ID or several forms of non-photo ID in order to vote. A less stringent approach being tested in Swindon and Watford will force people to show their poll card before casting a ballot.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “We already ask that people prove who they are in order to collect a parcel from the post office, rent a car, or travel abroad – and we believe it is right to take the same approach to protect voting rights.

“Local authorities are working with partners to ensure that everyone eligible to vote will be able to do so.”