New voter ID laws risk disenfranchising thousands of people in Newcastle, councillors have warned.
Voters will be required to show an approved form of photographic identification at polling stations from May next year, under measures in the government’s Elections Act 2022. But there are concerns that the restrictions will prevent many people who do not have appropriate ID, such as a passport or driving licence, from casting their ballot.
Councillors in Newcastle were told on Wednesday that the Government estimates two per cent of voters across the country will be affected by the new rules, which would equate to approximately 3,900 people in the city.
