The UK’s new voter ID law is a wrong and undemocratic policy. I am stating right up top; this article should not be needed. However, whether we like it or not, the government of the UK has decided there is a need for obstacles to exercising your democratic right. The good news is that this doesn’t need to be onerous.
First and foremost, we need to discuss the process. There is a deadline for applying for a Voter ID; you have until 5 pm on the 25th of April, which is a week away. If you don’t currently have one of the recognised forms of photo ID, you need to apply for one soon.
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate is a painless process
You can find the list of recognised forms of ID at the Electoral Commission website; if you’re unsure whether the document or ID you have qualifies, it might be best to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (commonly referred to as a Voter ID certificate).
I have done it from my phone without a problem, and you can do it from a tablet or a computer.
The most important thing is to ensure you’ve followed the guidelines on the photo; it needs to be against a plain background unless it’s for religious observances; you shouldn’t be wearing a hat, no sunglasses (though regular everyday glasses you wear regularly are okay). It must be at least 750 by 750 pixels (a half-decent phone or tablet should meet the resolution requirements). The most common reason for issues with the process I have heard of is photos being rejected and having to be redone.
It’s easier to process your application if you’re able to give them your national insurance number (if you don’t have the card, you will find your NI number on payslips, letters from Revenues and Customs, or if you’re registered for their website, you can log in and get it. If you don’t have it, you can still apply.
When you’re ready to apply, go to this website:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
Go to Start Now a bit down the page (I recommend reading the page’s content, though). It takes five minutes to go through the process. You answer some questions about the more common forms of photo ID you might have, and if you say no, it will offer you the chance to apply.
What is wrong with the Photo ID Requirement of the Elections Act 2022
According to the Electoral Commission, there were only 28 allegations of voter fraud in the UK in 2018. This is a tiny fraction of the millions of votes in that year’s elections. The voter ID law is a solution in the search for a problem. It is a needless barrier to voting that disproportionately affects marginalised communities, such as the elderly, the poor, and ethnic minorities.
The voter ID law is undemocratic because it undermines the principle of universal suffrage. In a democracy, every citizen should have an equal right to vote, regardless of their social status or economic background. The voter ID law creates a two-tier system where some citizens are able to vote while others are excluded.
Not to mention the millions it has cost to set up the system at relatively short notice and the reported fears of many councils that the checks at polling stations will undermine the system and lead to queues and delays.
East Side Story is, and always will be, party neutral in politics. My criticism of this needless act and subsequent bureaucracy is of the act, not the party behind it.
This act is now law, and we need to ensure our voices are heard via the power of the polling box. You should get your Voter Authority Certificate or ensure your recognised form of ID is ready for May 4th.
Why May the 4th is Important!
And having said all that, this act is in force, and there’s not much we can do about it right now. Local elections are coming up in May, and some big decisions must be made; in most cases, it’s whether to re-elect an existing councillor, but two seats in East Leeds will have a new councillor no matter what as previous candidates are standing down Gipton and Harehills, and Burmantofts and Richmond Hill.
I cannot tell you who to vote for or how to decide who to vote for. Listen to the candidates, read their literature, follow them on social media, reach out and ask questions if there’s something in your interest that you want to know their position on.
Ultimately you choose who represents you in the council; this is part of your voice. You choose a candidate, or you can choose not to exercise your right to vote. You do not need to explain or even reveal your choices.
On May 5th, tune in to your local news website, TV station or radio, or check the Leeds City Council elections webpage for the results. (I’ll probably be refreshing every five minutes from when they estimate the count will be complete).
It’s your vote; use it.
Happy voting, everyone. May we all make wise choices.
East Side Story 