Figures show that more than 14% of people in Wirral don’t have a passport as concerns are raised about government plans to bring in voter ID at polling stations for the first time next May.
Within Wirral, data from the 2021 census also shows large differences between areas. For example in parts of Caldy, only 1.6% of people don’t have a passport whereas in parts of Liscard it is more than 40%.
A passport is one of several forms of valid ID voters will be asked to show at the next local elections alongside drivers’ licences, Blue Badges, and concessionary travel passes.
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As several IDs are allowed, the number of people without a valid form of ID will be lower but Electoral Commission research shows 8% in the North West don’t have a valid form of ID, the highest in the UK.
In Wirral, people will also be voting in all-out elections for the first time with all 66 councillors seats up for re-election. Previously councillors were elected in thirds.
To fill the gap for people who don’t have IDs, the government will be launching a free Voter Card scheme in January as well as a campaign to raise awareness of the new requirements at polling stations in this year’s local council elections.
The new changes were passed by the Government earlier this year in an effort it says to tackle voter fraud and ensure election security. This is despite there being only six cases and 34 allegations of voter fraud out of 58m votes in the last general election.
A Government spokesperson said: “We cannot be complacent when it comes to ensuring our democracy remains secure.
“Everyone eligible to vote will have the opportunity to do so and 98% of electors already have an accepted form of identification.
“Photo identification has been used in Northern Ireland elections since 2003 and we’re working closely with the sector to support the rollout and funding the necessary equipment and staffing.”
What ID will I need?
Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
UK Biometric Residence Permit
An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
A Blue Badge
Oyster 60+ Card
A concessionary travel pass funded by the Government or local authority
Voter ID has been a contentious issue in Wirral with a fierce debate in early December between councillors about whether to voice opposition to the plans.
Wirral’s Labour, Greens, and Liberal Democrats opposed the plans for voter ID with Council leader Janette Williamson calling them “Trumpian” and anti-democratic. Others argued the council was not prepared for such significant changes at the polling booth and it could put more pressure on the council’s budget.
The Conservatives however argued that it was essential to protect elections from fraud and any case of voter fraud was one too many. Cllr Jenny Johnson said that ID was needed for less important things like buying alcohol so should be introduced at polling stations.
Cllr James Jamieson who chairs the Local Government Association recently urged the government to delay the plans arguing it wouldn’t give councils enough time to prepare.
He said: “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 the government to ensure elections are a ‘no fail’ service and that councils are given the right amount of time and resources to implement any changes.”
However the government is still moving ahead with its plans with a new Voter Card scheme to be introduced for those who don’t have an accepted form of ID from January.
More information on the changes and why the government is bringing them in can be found here.
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