A new rule requiring photo ID to be shown at polling stations could leave some Knowsley residents unable to vote.
This comes after the Government introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID for the upcoming local elections on May 4, 2023.
Knowsley Council is now urging residents to make sure they have the correct photo ID to show at polling stations.
However, Councillor Graham Morgan, the Leader of Knowsley Council has shared concerns on the new system.
He said: “The national Government has decided to introduce voter ID requirements from this May’s Elections.
“As always, we want as many people in Knowsley as possible to take up their democratic right to vote for their elected representatives.
“We are working as hard as we can to get the message out to people in Knowsley that they need to have an appropriate form of identification if they want to vote in person at a Polling Station.
“But the fact that we have different voter ID requirements for people voting in person compared to what is required from people voting by post is a perfect example of what a flawed system the Government has introduced.”
The way we vote is changing. From May 2023, if you are voting in person in a polling station you will be required to bring a valid form of ID with you. Find out more about the types of ID that are accepted as well as other key information about elections: https://t.co/zR5vX3XSFs pic.twitter.com/nTkl8EBCrz
— Cllr Graham Morgan (@Knowsley_Leader) January 23, 2023
Voter ID is called ‘completely unnecessary’
Maria Eagle MP for Garston and Halewood also shared her opinion on the new rule and said: “Tory Provisions for voter ID are intended to disenfranchise people who are young and poor. They are completely unnecessary and will lock millions of working class people out of voting.
“There is no evidence of fraudulent voting in the UK, so the law in unnecessary. It is total waste of taxpayers money that will cost millions at every election.”
The accepted forms of ID under government ruling include:
- Passport or driving licence
- ID cards showing proof of age
- Defence Identity Card
- 60+ Oyster card, bus pass for older or disabled people
- Freedom Pass
- Disabled blue badge
- Biometric immigration documents
- ID cards issued by an EEA state
However student ID cards or young person’s railcards can not be used.
Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on the Electoral Commission website
Alternatively, residents can apply to vote by post by calling the Elections Team on 0151 443 2222 or by emailing [email protected].
You must be registered to vote and completed applications must be received by the Council by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023.
The deadline to register to vote is 11.59pm on Monday 17 April 2023.
