Report by:
Gerry Cornes, Chief Executive
TN Number:
077-23
Tuesday, 2 May, 2023
Subject:
Voter Identification – Response from UK Government
Responsible Officer:
Gerry Cornes, Chief Executive
Publication:
This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.
Details:
At its meeting on 9 March 2023 East Dunbartonshire Council resolved as follows:-
Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the United Kingdom Government expressing:
- our opposition to the plans for mandatory voter ID, which will disproportionately impact on younger voters and vulnerable people, who are less likely to have the necessary documentation;
- our disappointment, in particular, at the exclusion of student ID cards from the list of approved ID;
- our concerns that the new requirements will result in voter confusion, additional bureaucracy and costs, and will negatively affect the administration of elections; and
- our belief that these measures are disproportionate in light of the lack of evidence of any significant risks to the integrity of in-person voting.
A copy of the response from the United Kingdom Government is attached for Members’ information.