Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 98
There have been concerns raised that introducing a voter ID requirement will negatively impact voter...
Conclusion
There have been concerns raised that introducing a voter ID requirement will negatively impact voter turnout. The evidence from what happened in Northern Ireland in 2003 following the move to a photographic ID suggests that a reduction of around 2.3% is possible. We cannot be sure whether this is a one-off drop or one that will continue, as continued monitoring of this issue did not take place in Northern Ireland. What is evident is that some reduction in voter turnout is possible as a result of implementing a voter ID requirement and that this may be the cost of using these measures to guard against the potential that personation could take place under the old system.
Paragraph Reference:
98
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government takes its Public Sector Equality Duty seriously. We have given due regard to it throughout the planning for implementation to date and we have always been clear that we will continue to do so. An Equality Impact Assessment was carried out for this Bill and was published in July 2021. Under our proposals for introducing voter identification, everyone who is eligible to vote will continue to have the opportunity to do so. As our policy statement makes clear, the list of accepted identification has been drawn up with accessibility specifically in mind, as well as security. Eligible voters who nonetheless do not have one of the wide range of acceptable forms of photographic identification will be able to apply for a free Voter Card from their local authority. They will be able to do so at the same time as when they register to vote, so applying for Voter Cards will be easy and accessible to all voters who may need one.