LGA statement on Voter ID reports

Responding to reports by the Electoral Commission and the Local Government Information Unit on the use of Voter ID at the local elections, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association said:

"Councils rose to the challenge of delivering new Voter ID requirements smoothly and this is a testament to the hard work of local election teams across the country.

"It is of concern to councils and their returning officers that a number of people were not aware of ID changes and left unable to vote, particularly those living with disabilities. This is a fundamental part of the democratic process and so it is important that the Government takes on board recommendations from this report to broaden out the ID documents that can be accepted by polling staff.

"Council election teams are often small and so were reliant on help from areas without local elections to administer these changes last May. It is clear that as we approach future elections that this will not be sustainable, particularly in a general election.

"Councils will need support from government to recruit additional staff so they can manage increased demand. As well as this, there needs to be a centrally funded campaign to ensure as many voters as possible are aware of voter ID requirements ahead of a general election."