People without ID have less than 24 hours to get around Tory voting restrictions

24 April 2023 , 16:05

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Last week the pollsters Ipsos also highlighted confusion over the new policy. (Image: PA)

Voters without photo ID have until 5pm on Tuesday to apply for a free document or risk being excluded from May's local elections.

It comes as the Tories were accused of being "recklessly slow" in making the public aware of the controversial policy forcing voters to show ID for the first time in England next month.

The Government has launched a 'Voter Authority Certificate' for those lacking the correct ID - but the deadline to apply is tomorrow evening.

Last week the pollsters Ipsos also highlighted confusion over the new policy.

A survey found that just over one in ten - 12% - of voters are 'most likely' to bring some form of ID that would not be allowed, including a student card or a council tax bill.

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To help ensure everyone’s voice is heard, the Daily Mirror launched our Get ID, Get a Vote campaign to raise awareness and encourage more people to register to vote.

Alongside a Voter Authority Certificate, those wanting to vote at the local elections on May 4 can take photo ID documents, including a passport or driving licence.

The Daily Mirror launched our Get ID, Get a Vote campaign to raise awareness and encourage more people to register to vote

Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner told The Mirror: “As the deadline for a Voter Authority Certificate looms, the government must urgently step up public awareness campaigns.

"It is clear that the government has been recklessly slow in making voters aware of the new expensive and unnecessary voter ID requirements."

She also reiterated her party's demand for an independent review of the scheme to understand the "true impact" of the policy after the May local elections.

Strategic Director at the campaigning website 38 Degrees, Ellie Gellard, said: "If a single person is turned away from the polls on May 4 because of the new ID rules, it will be a disaster for democracy.

She added: "We know voter ID rules are an anti-democratic solution to a non-existent problem.

'It is clear that the government has been recklessly slow in making voters aware,' Labour's Angela Rayner says (PA)

"But with the rules now in place and an election coming up, every Mirror reader who helps spread the word and make sure the friends and family are 'election ready' is doing their bit to limit the damage to our democracy".

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey also told The Mirror: “With just 24 hours until the window to apply for free voter ID ends, the Conservative Government are continuing to bury their heads in the sand.

“To leave local councils open to being overwhelmed by last minute applications is unacceptable. The new Voter ID regulations already pose a danger to the delivery of our elections.

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"They mustn’t pose a risk to our local authorities too.”

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Ashley Cowburn