Cheshire East Council is requiring residents in Cheshire East to show ID in order to vote in local elections this year. Residents are concerned about a possible reduction in voter turnout because of the requirement to present a photo ID at polls.
For the first time, residents in Cheshire East will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections. There are a few types of ID accepted, such as a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth driver’s licence; or a concessionary travel pass, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Those who are still recognisable from their photo will be able to use expired IDs.
Residents seem to be most divided over the issue that voters should be required to jump through hoops to exercise their democratic right to vote, and that the key part of participation in a democracy looks out to be extremely undemocratic.
Several locals have complained on the Nantwich Town Council Facebook page, claiming:
Why the h*** should I have to jump through another hoop just so I can exercise my democratic right to vote!! I don’t have a passport or drivers licence, but even if I had what is wrong with just taking your voting card with you?
“Disgraceful” one resident commented on the issue.
Others have questioned, “What happens if you don’t have a photo ID?”
Council officials have notified residents that those who lack one of the acceptable forms of ID can apply for free ID online at gov. UK or submit a paper application. The full list of accepted IDs is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID.
Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, said:
Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.
“You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Voter registration is also mandatory for anyone who wishes to vote in this May’s elections. The process of registering to vote online takes only five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Registering to vote is the first step to applying for free ID at your local council.
Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, Returning Officer at Cheshire East Council and its chief executive, said:
With elections taking place in Cheshire East on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Cheshire East Council’s electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team on 0300 123 5016 or email: voteridentification@cheshireeast.gov.uk”
The option of casting a ballot by post is also available to eligible voters. On the Electoral Commission website, you can find out how to apply. The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.
