LGA calls for delay of introduction of voter ID requirements ahead of May 2023 elections

The Local Government Association (LGA) has shared concerns that there is ‘insufficient time’ ahead of the May 2023 elections to introduce the requirement to show photo ID and are calling for a delay of the process.

The LGA said it supported the Gould principle, whereby electoral law should not be changed within six-months of an election that the change would impact.

In April 2022, the Elections Act 2022 was passed by Parliament, which will introduce the requirement to show photo ID at UK Parliamentary elections, police and crime commissioner elections and at local elections in England.

Ahead of a vote in Parliament this week on the Government’s plans to introduce voter ID for the May 2023 elections, Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said: “It is a fundamental part of the democratic process that elections can run smoothly and effectively where every citizen is able to exercise their right to vote. While we accept that voter ID has now been legislated for, electoral administrators and returning officers should be given the appropriate time, resource, clarity and detailed guidance to implement any changes to the electoral process without risking access to the vote.

“The new voter ID requirements would have a number of implications for councils, such as a review of polling stations, and where necessary finding new venues in time for May’s elections."

He added: “We also have concerns over the readiness of new IT systems, being able to properly test these and ensure staff receive training.

“In addition, new voter ID requirements will require comprehensive local awareness campaigns, which councils need to be adequately funded for to tailor awareness raising efforts with the needs of their local population.

“Therefore, it is sensible for the introduction of voter ID to be delayed until after May’s elections. In the meantime, we want to work with government to ensure elections are a ‘no fail’ service and that councils are given the right amount of time and resource to implement any changes.”

A recent report by Dr John Ault published by the Constitution Society also identified "deep concerns" over the deliverability of the new policy.

The report included a survey of councils holding elections (to which 70 councils responded). It found that almost half (45%) said they were either ‘not at all confident’ or ‘not so confident’ that they could train staff on the new voter ID requirements.

When asked how confident they were that staff would be ready to run the 2023 local elections before the secondary legislation was published, an overwhelming 86% of responding elections staff said they were either ‘not at all confident’ or ‘not so confident’.

Lottie Winson