Dear Editor,
Taking inspiration from Trump-inspired Republican state governments in the USA, the UK government has implemented a requirement for voters to produce ID at the forthcoming council and general elections.
There is no evidence of significant voter fraud in the UK. But there’s little doubt that the number of people unable to vote legitimately will be far greater than the number of fraudulent voters; they are also more likely to be a non-Conservative demographic. Nevertheless, it’s now the law and voters need to be aware of the ID requirements.
Acceptable proof of ID is mostly limited to a passport or driving licence. There are exceptions – pensioners may use bus passes, freedom cards or oyster cards. However, younger voters need to be aware that (perversely) these forms of ID will not be valid for them.
Anyone who doesn’t possess accepted forms of ID such as a passport or driving licence may obtain a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). This can be applied for online at the Government site: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate, or in person from a local council office. So, it is essential that people who don’t have already have valid ID make the effort to obtain a VAC.
The new ID requirements are deeply concerning. However, this makes it all the more important that these requirements are disseminated by news media so they can be understood and acted upon by voters.”
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