Voter Identity At Future Elections.

MaizieD

^Those of us in England have to show ID in so many instances nowadays, it seems perfectly logical that something as important as voting in elections, whether they be local or national should be the same.^

It doesn't seem 'perfectly logical' at all when there is almost zero evidence that the present system doesn't work.

People's unquestioning willingness to accept a move that takes away a basic and rarely abused freedom to exercise our right to vote without any impediment is deeply worrying.

This.

Also, I don't know where some of you live that you are forever having to produce ID, but the ONLY time I have had to provide photo ID in the last couple of years has been when I opened an ISA with a new bank, so it was an anti financial fraud measure which I am obviously perfectly happy with.

Those of you who seem content with this nonsensical and pointless exercise; what about providing some evidence of the voter fraud you seem to think exists?

All adults have the right to vote, with a very few exceptions, so requiring the population to have identification before they are allowed to exercise a basic right to which they are guaranteed access, is not a tenable position.

This is how I feel. Voting is a right.
Other things (such as foreign holidays and driving) are choices.

I find it hard that some people don't seem to care about this fundamental difference.

Or, we could help people understand that voting is a responsibility and not bribe them to do it?

(86% turnout at the Scottish referendum in 2014, because we knew it was important.)

I agree Witzend that there is a certain charm to voting as it is now and electronic systems are not foolproof but I do think we should address the fact that too few people vote and this needs to change. If everyone that voted got £10 off their council tax I think the numbers would go up.

Enid101

I think it’s about time the whole voting system was overhauled. Using a pencil to mark a cross on a piece of paper in a rickety wooden booth seems rather archaic to me.

TBH I’d much prefer that to any electronic system. which I’m sure could be fiddled by anyone determined enough.
Plus the equipment would be very expensive, so I dare say the number of polling stations would be considerably reduced - probably meaning long queues. My sister in the US has sometimes had to queue for at least an hour. That factor alone would I dare say put a number of people off bothering.

I always think our system is great - just a ten minute walk to the polling station*, no queue, all so civilised, no police standing guard.
Long live the little booth and the stubby pencil!
*yes, I do know everyone doesn’t have one so handy.

GrannyGravy13

No doubt the Landed Gentry were fairly miffed that women and commoner’s gained the vote back in the day.

Things evolve, always have and always will.

I have absolutely no problem with voter ID, from what I understand from the Gov.U.K. website for those who have no photographic ID they can apply to get one free of charge.

Those of us in England have to show ID in so many instances nowadays, it seems perfectly logical that something as important as voting in elections, whether they be local or national should be the same.

Yes, this.

Why voter ID is a solution in search of a problem and is a VERY BAD IDEA.

We show ID for all sorts of things just now – going to the tip, collecting from the post office, etc. None of these things is a right in this country, they are all choices we make. All adults have the right to vote, with a very few exceptions, so requiring the population to have identification before they are allowed to exercise a basic right to which they are guaranteed access, is not a tenable position.

If you want a driving licence, you have to pass a test and confirm that you are fit to drive. Not doing that is an offence. If you want to cross an international border, you have to certify that you are allowed to do so and cross into another country. Hence passports. None of us have to prove that we exist. Voting is everyone’s right, we don’t have to prove who we are to be allowed to do it. We certify that we are eligible when the Electoral Roll is drawn up. I get a letter every year asking me to certify who in my house is eligible to vote.

Sidebar: We don’t have to prove who we are to actually just exist here either, so ID cards are also a VERY BAD IDEA. We’re not at war and at risk of invasion. I had a Carte de Sejour when I lived in France. I didn’t like it, but when you live in another country you put up with their rules. You don’t just import them into the UK because it’s something you fancy doing.

There is no evidence of significant voter fraud in the UK. If anyone would actually like to know the facts instead of just saying “oh but it happens”, here’s an analysis.
committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/38405/html/

Why not have an online system

As the UK has shown over the years that it is spectacularly bad at developing foolproof IT systems I'd be more suspicious of that that I am of popping down to the polling station and putting an X in a box...

Those of us in England have to show ID in so many instances nowadays, it seems perfectly logical that something as important as voting in elections, whether they be local or national should be the same.

It doesn't seem 'perfectly logical' at all when there is almost zero evidence that the present system doesn't work.

People's unquestioning willingness to accept a move that takes away a basic and rarely abused freedom to exercise our right to vote without any impediment is deeply worrying.

MaizieD

Enid101

I think it’s about time the whole voting system was overhauled. Using a pencil to mark a cross on a piece of paper in a rickety wooden booth seems rather archaic to me.

What would you like to see? It seems to work fine. It's cheap and effective.

I don’t think it works fine as the number who actually vote is pitifully low. Why not have an online system and offer discounts on council tax for those that vote?

No doubt the Landed Gentry were fairly miffed that women and commoner’s gained the vote back in the day.

Things evolve, always have and always will.

I have absolutely no problem with voter ID, from what I understand from the Gov.U.K. website for those who have no photographic ID they can apply to get one free of charge.

Those of us in England have to show ID in so many instances nowadays, it seems perfectly logical that something as important as voting in elections, whether they be local or national should be the same.

These days it would probably be something that looks like our driving licences, I imagine. And if this did become law then the means would be made available to apply for one, surely.
Including by young people, or their parents if under age.

What sort of ID? Might this rule out young people without a passport or drivers license?

I do understand the concerns that some people have, like those without passports or driving licences, but I still fail to see why so many object to voter identity proof. Maybe my opinion is influenced by the fact that I carried an identity card with me when I was a child in WW2. We all did.
I even have to prove my identity now when I go to the local tip (recycling centre) and I don't mind at all. I don't see how it compromises my freedoms or whatever.

Enid101

I think it’s about time the whole voting system was overhauled. Using a pencil to mark a cross on a piece of paper in a rickety wooden booth seems rather archaic to me.

What would you like to see? It seems to work fine. It's cheap and effective.

I think it’s about time the whole voting system was overhauled. Using a pencil to mark a cross on a piece of paper in a rickety wooden booth seems rather archaic to me.

Two or three people have cited voter fraud volver - not just nanna8.

Agreed. And none of them have any evidence at all.

Two or three people have cited voter fraud volver - not just nanna8.

Please can someone show the evidence if it exists? I thought this had been examined again and again.
I'm not convinced.

I am not hostile to ID in some situations - I think having a passport is a good idea for international travel for example.

Contrary to what our resident expert thinks, people can and do cheat in elections so as far as I am concerned the more checks and balances the better.

Speaking as the resident expert who likes to base her opinions on facts rather than scaremongering, do you have any evidence of significant voter fraud in either the UK or Australia that you could use to show why Voter ID is necessary? Seeing as how you are so adamant it exists?

Well we have to vote here or cop a fine so it is completely different. At least we have to show up - we could choose to spoil our ballot papers and some do. Personally I think the right to vote was hard won and it is not something we should just throw away. Contrary to what our resident expert thinks, people can and do cheat in elections so as far as I am concerned the more checks and balances the better.

volver

Lots of people here telling us how easy it will be, how it's not an inconvenience to them. Others telling us that other countries do it and that by not doing it, we think we're exceptional.

Here the thing: We've never done it. We don't have issues with voter fraud. We don't need it. Other countries can do as they please, good for them. Can someone please give a good reason for it, seeing as how voter fraud is not a problem we need to solve? "It's not difficult" is not a reason.

Thought you might be interested to know we're not having it for Scottish elections. They'll never take away our freeeedom.....

This. ⏫ Again.

@*Rosie51*. You maybe didn't notice that I started my response to mokryna with the words 'with the greatest respect'. I'm not in the habit of using words that I don't mean.

That you can twist my objection into showing some sort of British exceptionalism is frankly very sad. We are not sheep who have to do what everyone else is doing just because everyone else is doing it. That is utterly pathetic.

I don't have a problem with requiring ID in circumstances where not using it is proven (note that word, PROVEN) to lead to fraud and loss. I voluntarily carry my driving licence with me because it's handy to have if ID is needed.

I very strongly object to being obliged to produce ID in order to vote because it represents the removal of a citizen freedom ON COMPLETELY SPURIOUS GROUNDS and, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will mean disenfranchisement for some voters.

nanna8

We just have to say our full name and address here in Australia. I think it is a bit slack really because you vote using a pencil. Pencils can be erased. I agree that you should have to show I.D.

Just because you think something could happen doesn't make it a problem. If the authorities were overseeing a system where ballot papers can be accessed and erased before counting, you've got bigger problems than using a pencil.

Lots of people here telling us how easy it will be, how it's not an inconvenience to them. Others telling us that other countries do it and that by not doing it, we think we're exceptional.

Here the thing: We've never done it. We don't have issues with voter fraud. We don't need it. Other countries can do as they please, good for them. Can someone please give a good reason for it, seeing as how voter fraud is not a problem we need to solve? "It's not difficult" is not a reason.

Thought you might be interested to know we're not having it for Scottish elections. They'll never take away our freeeedom.....

If the level of "Cheating" is so low then no need photo ID card. Turnouts are low enough as it is.

We just have to say our full name and address here in Australia. I think it is a bit slack really because you vote using a pencil. Pencils can be erased. I agree that you should have to show I.D.