Serious fears have been raised that many people wanting to vote at the local elections on May 4 will suddenly discover they are unable to do so. This is because the government has introduced a new photo ID scheme before people will be allowed to cast their vote.
This week a Green Party peer has branded new photo ID laws for voters “a disaster for democracy” and accused the Government of perpetrating “voter fraud”. Baroness Jenny Jones joined opposition MPs and campaigners to deliver a petition to Downing Street, as well as a letter for the Prime Minister, on Wednesday, calling on the Government to “urgently scrap” new compulsory rules for those voting in person during England’s local elections next month.
Those turning up at polling stations will be required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge. Baroness Jones said: “The Government has actually perpetrated voter fraud. They have pushed through a Bill that is going to prevent certain groups, particularly younger people, from voting. All in all, this is a disaster for democracy.”
