The Local Government Association (LGA) shared concerns that there was “not enough time” to introduce a photo ID requirement ahead of the May 2023 elections, and called for a delay in the process. I’m here.
The LGA said it supported Gould’s principle that electoral law should not be changed within six months of the election that the change would affect.
In April 2022, the 2022 Elections Act passed Parliament. This will introduce a requirement to show photo identification in UK parliamentary elections, police and crime commission elections and local elections in England.
Ahead of this week’s vote in Congress on the government’s plan to introduce voter ID in the May 2023 elections, LGA Secretary James Jamison said: Citizens can exercise their right to vote. While we acknowledge that voter ID is now enacted into law, it is important that election administrators and returning officials take the appropriate time to implement changes to the election process without jeopardizing access to voting. Resources, clarity, and detailed guidance should be given.
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“The new voter ID requirements will have many implications for the council, including reviewing polling places and, if necessary, finding new polling places in time for the May elections.”
He added:
“Furthermore, the new voter ID requirements will require comprehensive community awareness campaigns that must be adequately funded by local councils to tailor awareness efforts to the needs of local residents. Become.
“Therefore, it would be prudent to delay the introduction of voter ID until after the May election. We want to ensure that you are given the appropriate time and resources to do so. “
Dr. John Ort’s recent report, published by the Constitution Society, also found “deep concerns” about the feasibility of new policies.
The report included a survey of parliaments conducting elections (70 parliaments responded). Nearly half (45%) were found to be either ‘not at all’ or ‘not very confident’ in their ability to train staff on the new voter ID requirements.
When asked how confident staff were that they were ready to conduct the 2023 local elections before the secondary bill was published, an overwhelming 86% of electoral staff who responded said, They answered, “I’m not confident at all” or “I’m not very confident.”
Lottie Winson
