The Past, Present and Future of Voter ID in Great Britain—Voter Turnout, Rejection and Confidence

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines the implementation of voter identification at polling stations for elections in Great Britain, in particular following the passage of the Elections Act 2022. For this purpose it groups the affected and most significant elections into four chronological studies. These are, first, the initial pilot schemes conducted in 2018 and 2019, second, the May 2023 local elections in England, third, the 10 parliamentary by-elections held in Great Britain between July 2023 and May 2024, and fourth, the July 2024 UK General Election which marked by far the biggest test of the new requirements. The article examines the historical context and key statutory provisions which introduced voter ID, before analysing the respective studies relying on official Electoral Commission and UK Parliament data, as well as data gathered by volunteer organisations and the author’s own observations at polling stations. For this purpose, the case studies focus on the issues of voter turnout, rejection and confidence, as these are easily quantifiable measures which can assist with the legal analysis. As such, the article assesses the legality of voter identification laws in the UK, in particular from a human rights perspective, arguing that the implementation of voter ID has been problematic from the outset. Data produced after the elections raises further questions over the necessity and proportionality of the measures, suggesting that further reforms are needed if the policy is to remain in place.