Bouncers could be deployed to “hotspot” polling stations in Newcastle where council bosses fear arguments will break out over new voter ID laws.
For the first time, voters in England will be forced to show an approved form of photographic identification when they go to cast their ballot in May’s local elections. There have been widespread concerns about people who are unaware of the new rules being disenfranchised and the extra strain that the checks will put on polling station officials.
City councillors were told this week that local authority bosses are contemplating sending security staff, paid for with Government funding, out to deal with potential flare-ups in locations deemed high-risk, while staff will also be advised to call 999 if required. Voters will be turned away on polling day if they fail to bring a valid ID with them or if their document is deemed to be not a good likeness or a forgery.
