Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 55
55
Routinely collect election data to properly evaluate voter ID effectiveness and usage patterns.
Recommendation
Our assessment is that the longer voter ID prevails the more it will become accepted, reducing, though not removing, the prevention and discouragement effect. It is unfortunate that data was not regularly collected at polls in Northern Ireland, in particular following the introduction of photo ID there in 2003. The Government should consider what data it is necessary to routinely collect at elections to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the voter ID requirements. This could include what forms of ID are used (preferably broken down by age group), the reasons for refusing an ID, how many people are turned away for not having ID, and how many do not return. (Conclusion, Paragraph 148)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 16 October 2025. Response attribution to this recommendation has not been verified. Read the response document ↗