Hundreds of voters across Bolton were turned away from polling stations because of the new ID requirements at the local elections earlier this month. The new rule requiring that people voting at polling stations present an accepted form of photo identification – such as a driving licence or passport – came into force for the first time in all local elections across England on May 4.
The government says the measure was put in place to prevent voter fraud. However, critics warned that the move would mean disenfranchising some voters, especially younger voters in more deprived areas. A total 450 voters in Bolton were turned away because they had the wrong ID or no ID.
Of these, 269 returned later with ID and voted. 181 of these voters did not return. A total of 69,989 voters participated in the ‘all out’ poll for Bolton Council, a 33 per cent turnout.
