VOTERS in Rugby have been reminded they will need photo ID at polling stations for the local elections in May.
The controversial new requirement to produce a valid form of photographic ID in order to vote at a polling station was introduced by the Government in the Elections Act 2022.
Ahead of the local elections on Thursday May 4, a reminder card has been posted to every registered voter in the borough about the new regulations, including information on all accepted forms of ID and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
But the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) has described the new measures as ‘disastrous’ and ‘undemocratic’, fearing that around two million UK voters who don’t have the required ID could be disenfranchised.
The Government trialled the policy during the 2018 and 2019 English local elections in a handful of local authorities – with over 1,000 voters refused a ballot for not having the right paperwork, despite public information campaigns.
And this week, The Mirror revealed one in four voters wrongly believe they won’t need ID to vote in May’s local elections.
Over 130,700 people have signed the ERS’s petition to scrap the policy.
Aftab Razzaq, Returning Officer for Rugby, said: “The Electoral Commission has launched a nationwide promotional campaign to raise awareness of the introduction of photo ID at May’s elections and the reminder cards form part of my work to support the campaign in Rugby.
“If you’re eligible to vote and did not receive a reminder card, please make sure you’re registered to vote by contacting us as soon as possible.
“If you received a reminder card but your name has changed since you registered to vote, please send us a copy of your marriage certificate or change of name deed poll to make sure the electoral register has your correct details.”
Mr Razzaq said he wanted to make sure every eligible voter in the borough could vote on May 4.
He added: “I’d encourage everyone to take five minutes now to register to vote if required, check whether you own an accepted form of photo ID and, if not, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline.”
Accepted forms of ID include:
- UK, European Economic Area (EEA) and Commonwealth passports
- UK, EEA and Commonwealth driving licences
- Specified concessionary travel passes, including older person’s bus pass.
Visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID for a full list.
To vote in the local elections on May 4, voters must register by Monday April 17. To check whether you have registered to vote, email your name and address to [email protected] or call (01788) 533595. Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/vote to register.
To update your name on the electoral register, send relevant documents to [email protected] or by post to: Electoral Services, Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. For the May local elections, applications must be made by 5pm on Tuesday April 25.
Applications for a postal vote must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday April 18, while applications for a proxy vote must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday April 25.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/elections to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, a postal vote or proxy vote.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/pan529xn to sign the ERS petition opposing the new voter ID policy.
