CONCERNS have been raised that new voter ID rules could lead to some Bradfordians being unable to cast their vote at local elections in May. 

Bradford Council’s ruling Labour Group has added its support to calls for the changes to be delayed and reconsidered given the risk of voter disenfranchisement that has been identified.

In a motion to next week’s full council meeting from council leader Susan Hinchcliffe, it points out that research has found that less well-off voters and those from disadvantaged groups are less likely to own photo ID.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “The Electoral Reform Society has said UK elections are safe with extremely low levels of fraud at polling stations and that these new rules risk restricting people’s legitimate right to vote whilst failing to address the real threats to our democracy. 

“The government’s own commissioned research found that disadvantaged groups and those who had never voted before are less likely to hold any form of photo ID and therefore are more likely to be affected.

“Given also the major concerns that many voters have not yet been made aware of the new rules, we support the calls from many expert bodies that rushing these changes through now carries an unacceptable risk that people will have their legitimate right to vote restricted in May’s local elections.”

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.”

The motion comes as a new form of free ID that can be used at elections is launched today.

Applications for the ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, can now be made online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

Local elections are taking place across England on May 4, and those intending to vote at a polling station will need to show photo ID to receive a ballot paper.

This is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration at the Electoral Commission, said: “The availability of free ID is important to maintaining the accessibility of elections. We are calling on all voters to check whether they have an accepted form of ID, and if not, to apply for the certificate.”

What do I need to do to make sure I can vote in the Bradford Council elections in May 2023?

Firstly you need to check you are registered to vote and your details are up to date, and if not apply online with your National Insurance number and date of birth at gov.uk/register-to-vote. The electoral roll deadline to ensure you can vote at the upcoming local elections is usually three weeks before the polls.

What photo ID will I need to vote in May 2023

Accepted forms of ID at polling stations include:

  • a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport;
  • a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence;
  • some concessionary 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.