Around 14,000 people were unable to vote in England's local elections due to a lack of acceptable photo ID, according to a study by the Electoral Commission which examined the ramifications of the new voter identification rules brought in by the government.
The May elections marked the first occasion in Great Britain where voters were required to present ID before collecting their ballot paper at polling stations. Acceptable forms of ID included passports, driving licences, blue badges, and free certificates that could be obtained prior to the vote.
Craig Westwood, director of communications at the independent body overseeing elections, raised concerns about the evidence suggesting that disabled and unemployed individuals were more likely to cite ID-related issues as a reason for not voting. Westwood said there was 'concerning' evidence to suggest that disabled and unemployed people were 'more likely than other groups to give a reason related to ID for not voting'.
