New Voter ID requirement

The controversial new UK Voter ID law that has been implemented across the country, including in Beckenham, Bromley and Orpington, has been a source of concern for those who believe in fair and open democratic processes. As Liberal Democrats, we believe that the introduction of this law is likely to create barriers to voting for some individuals, particularly among marginalized communities, and could ultimately harm the integrity of the electoral process.

While the stated aim of the Voter ID law is to prevent electoral fraud, there is little evidence that this is a significant problem in the UK, with instances of voter impersonation being rare. The more pressing issue is low voter turnout, particularly among young and marginalized communities, which the introduction of Voter ID risks exacerbating.

It is essential that our democratic process is open to everyone and does not discriminate against certain groups. However, this law is likely to have a disproportionate impact on those who are less likely to have ID such as passports and driving licences, such as elderly people, students, and low-income individuals, creating barriers to voting that could result in the suppression of their voices. 

Further, older persons’ travel documents such as Senior Railcards and Freedom Passes are accepted forms of ID for voting, whereas Young Persons’ Railcards are not, exacerbating the suspicion that this is a form of manipulation of the electorate against young people.

As a party, we believe that the introduction of Voter ID could ultimately harm the integrity of democratic processes, by discouraging people from voting or creating a perception that the process is not merely about casting a vote but about presenting a specific and preordained identity that an individual qualifies to vote. We remain committed to fighting for fair, open and accessible elections that ensure everyone has a voice, and that our democracy is safe from fraud and open to all.

If you do not already possess an accepted form of Voter ID, you can obtain a Voter Authority Certificate free online by following this link https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. If you live in an area that has elections on 4th May 2023, you’ll need to complete your application by 5pm on 25th April 2023 in order to obtain your certificate.