Gove claims fewer than 1% of voters could be turned away in May elections as result of voter ID requirements

Fewer than 1% of voters could be turned away at their polling stations in the May elections due to the new voter ID laws, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has claimed.

Revealing his estimate yesterday while answering questions from MPs on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Gove suggested that in voter ID pilots conducted by the government, "the number of people who were turned away were minimal".

But when asked for more detail on the figure, Gove said: "I think it was less than 1%."

Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP raised concern over the figure during the discussion, replying: "That would make a difference in a number of elections, would it not?"

In response, Gove said: "Well, it would all depend on the size of the poll, but helpfully the publicity that we're now generating will ensure that I think almost everyone who can be reached will be reached in order to raise awareness."

An independent review is expected to be conducted into the impact of the voter ID scheme and will be underway before local government elections in May, according to the Secretary of State.

Parliament passed the Election Act 2022 in April of last year, giving the Government powers to implement rules requiring voters to present identification cards before voting.

Appropriate forms of identification include a driver's licence or passport. However, those without a valid form of ID can apply for a voter authority certificate (VAC). Around 37,000 VAC applications have been made, according to Gove.

The change has been criticised by a number of organisations, including the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Constitution Society.

Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, reiterated his warning late last month that councils could be "overwhelmed" during local elections in May due to the short notice given for councils to adapt to the voter ID system.

While a report from the Constitution Society revealed that 57% of councils said they were 'very or extremely worried' about voter ID rules leading to problems in polling stations.

Adam Carey