CONTROVERSIAL new voter ID laws have been branded ‘wasteful and cynical’ by Worcester Labour chiefs with just 100 days until city residents go to the polls.
For the first time, voters will need to show photographic identification (ID) to vote at the City Council elections on May 4.
Former parliamentary candidate and Labour leader on Worcester City Council Coun Lynn Denham praised the efforts of Guildhall staff for tackling the changes to ensure no-one loses their right to vote.
However she poured scorn on the new law which was part of the Conservative Party’s election winning manifesto at the 2019 General Election.
“Council staff are working wonders trying to make this system work, but the fact remains they should never have been put in this position,” Coun Denham said.
“Sensing a change in the political winds, this Tory government has chosen to roll out a voter ID scheme which risks depriving millions of people of their right to vote.
“Their scheme clearly targets young, disabled and low-income voters who are less likely to have a modern driving licence or a passport.”
“This is a wasteful and cynical scheme to introduce at any time, but the fact that the Tories have spent taxpayer’s money on this during an acute cost of living crisis says it all.
“The government has chosen to weaken our democracy and the chance to vote for change, rather than supporting the British people and solving the crisis in our public services,” she added.
A wide range of photo identification will be accepted including a passport, a driver’s licence, an immigration document and some travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID, either online or by completing a paper form.
Worcester’s MP Robin Walker told the Observer: “I think it’s an overdue improvement which will bring us into line with other jurisdictions including other parts of the UK.
“In Northern Ireland, voter ID was introduced nearly 20 years ago, incidentally under a Labour government and hasn’t deterred voters or highly competitive elections.
“IDs will be available for free which is crucial and will help to avoid the issue of personation which does happen but often does not get taken up as a criminal offence because it is hard to investigate.
“The Electoral Commission has concluded from its pilots this is something which can be effectively rolled out and I think it can only be a good thing if it is.” he added.
Anyone needing help can contact Worcester City Council’s electoral services team on 01905 722530 or e-mail [email protected].
