THE government has unveiled plans to prevent people from voting without photographic identification. But the proposals - revealed in the Queen's Speech - have been branded "dangerous and undemocratic" by critics.
It’s a controversial plan?
During the speech, the Queen referenced the importance of “protecting the integrity of democracy and the electoral system”. But the government has been accused of trying to suppress voters’ rights with the measure.
What does the government want to happen?
For it to be compulsory for voters to show picture ID, such as a passport or driving licence, at the ballot box in order to be able to cast their vote in a general or local election.
Why do they want this?
The government say the aim is to “tackle electoral fraud and protect our democracy”.
The problem is?
Critics say this is a threat to democratic participation. A pilot of the scheme in local elections earlier this year in England saw around 2,000 people turned away from polling stations for lack of picture ID, with nearly 800 of them failing to return.
The government have a back-up plan?
They would introduce a new form of identity document. Voters who do not have picture ID can apply for free of charge.
However?
The report on the pilot project further found that awareness of the need for photographic ID was lower with younger voters and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and so, they would not necessarily even apply for the identity document as they may not be aware of the need to do so.
The Electoral Reform Society (ERS) are against the plan?
They say it impacts the most marginalised people in society, including many elderly and black and minority ethnic voters, tweeting: “These voter ID plans are dangerous, misguided and undemocratic.”
Research has backed this up?
Two years ago, a University of California study found that such voter ID laws in the States served to “skew democracy in favour of whites and those on the political right”.
Research by the Electoral Commission - that sets the standards of UK elections - found that around 3.5 million citizens did not have access to any approved photo ID in 2015.
How much would the plan cost?
The ERS estimate the price tag to be up to £20 million to enforce per election.
Other countries have it?
Yes, but not as strictly. In Ireland, voters have a choice of five different forms of photo ID, as well as credit cards or marriage certificates. In Canada, any voter who doesn’t have one of the approved forms of photo ID can present two other forms of identification.
How big a problem is electoral fraud?
Out of millions of votes cast in the UK last year, there were eight allegations of personation fraud, the ERS say.
In 2017, when the last general election took place, there were 336 reported cases of electoral fraud, most of which resulted in no further action being taken.
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The government believe it will work?
A Cabinet Office spokesman said voter picture ID was a "reasonable and proportionate way” to protect elections.
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