Voter ID: Plans for photo ID checks at UK elections are an ‘opportunistic attack’, say civil liberty groups

Civil liberty groups has said there is “no justification” for Government plans to implement voter ID for future elections, saying underrepresented and marginalised communities in politics will be disenfranchised.

Civil rights group Liberty has said millions of people do not have the adequate ID.

“The Government’s own findings show our current voting system is safe and secure,” Sam Grant, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Liberty, said.

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“As there is no justification for this threat to the right to vote, it feels like an opportunistic attack on the rights of some of the most marginalised people in society, a classic example of ruling through division and distrust.”

Ministers are poised to confirm voter ID this week, The Guardian reported, in an attempt to crack down on fraud.

Tuesday’s Queen’s speech will include the proposal and set out the Government’s priorities for after the pandemic.

“Stealing someone’s vote is stealing their voice,” said Minister for the Constitution and Devolution, Chloe Smith, LBC reported.

Ms Smith said: “Fraud, and the intent to intimidate or coerce a voter, are crimes. So this Government is stamping out the space for such damage to take place in our elections.”

Critics have argued the policy is likely to deter poorer and members of minority ethnic communities from participating in elections and that election fraud is extremely rare.

The electoral commission has found that nearly 3.5 million people currently do not have suitable ID.

Some of the Conservative Party’s own MPs have opposed the plans. MP David Davis branded them “illiberal” and said they “impinge on people’s privacy and convenience”.

Mr Davis added the plans were unnecessary, with just one conviction of electoral fraud in 2019. They are a “solution in pursuit of a non-existent problem”, he said.

The list of approved photographic identification will not be limited to passports and driving licences, but include buss passes and other common photographic documents. Anyone who does not have an approved form of identification will be able to get a free Voter Card from their local authority.

Dozens of civil society groups have also spoken out against the plans – from Age UK to Stonewall, Liberty, Operation Black Vote, Silver Voices and Centrepoint.

Trials of voter ID requirements took place during the 2019 local elections, with people in some parts of England told they must bring ID with them to be able to cast a ballot.

The Electoral Reform Society has relaunched its petition to scrap the proposal.

Dr Jess Garland, director of policy and research at the Electoral Reform Society said: “Rather than inventing problems, the Government should focus on the real issues in politics – including the nine million people missing from the electoral roll, and the glaring loopholes in our lobbying laws.

“At a cost of up to £20m per election, mandatory ID is an expensive distraction and the wrong priority right now. These proposals should be dropped before they damage political equality in the UK.

“Groups representing millions of people – from homelessness charities, pensioners’ groups, LGBT+ campaigners and civil liberties activists – are sounding the alarm about these plans. We urge ministers to listen.”

Labour MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome, implied the move was a means to suppress votes against the Government.

“Requiring photo ID to vote when 1 in 4 don’t have it will stop people from voting. But that’s the point,” Ms Whittome tweeted.

“Because this isn’t about stopping voter fraud – it’s about disenfranchising the young, the poor, and people of colour. People less likely to vote Tory.”

Officials claim it does not affect voter turnout.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “Showing identification to vote is a reasonable approach to combat the inexcusable potential for voter fraud in our current system and strengthen its integrity.

“Evidence shows that voter identification does not impact voter turnout and it has been operating in Northern Ireland with ease for decades.

“A broad range of photographic documents will be accepted, not just limited to passports and driver’s licenses, and will include expired documents. We have also always been clear that a free Voter Card will be available if needed.”