The government is under pressure to abandon its plan to introduce a requirement for voters to have some form of photo ID to take part in council elections in May.

The new rules could lead to election counts in the county being delayed and disrupted by a major change to current electoral arrangements, which will require voters to have some form of photo ID if they are casting a vote at polling stations.

The new requirement could also lead to a decline in turnout, according to some while returning officers are voicing concerns about the additional checks needed.

There are multiple council elections in Kent later this year, with every district and borough council, along with Medway council, going to the polls.

The ballots will be a major test of public opinion of how the parties are regarded nationally and could be the last ahead of a general election.

The introduction of the rule has been criticised by some council leaders and campaign groups, who fear that voters are unaware of the new requirement to take some form of photo documentation with them when they go to vote.

Figures show that about nationally 10,000 people have applied to the government for a certificate allowing them to vote without the need to have photo ID.

Stuart Bobby, chief executive of Gravesham council, said: "We are anticipating some issues with this as voters may turn up at polling stations without photo ID.

"We are doing everything that we can to get the message out to people because we don't want to disenfranchise anyone. We are recruiting more polling clerks and presiding officers on the day to support people who want to vote on the day."

Dr Jess Garland, Director of Policy and Research, Electoral Reform Society said: “Voter ID is the biggest change to how our elections work in a generation and the fact that, less than 100 days away from polling day, millions still lack the means to vote is deeply worrying.

"The government have long claimed that their free ID would ensure that nobody is unable to cast a ballot, but these figures show that the vast majority of those who need one are yet to register – meaning we could see thousands turned away on election day."

Turnout at the council elections held in May last year was about 33%.

The government says the measures will help crackdown on fraud but there is little evidence that this is widespread.

The leader of Tunbridge Wells council Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem) said:“Statistics show that there is no voter fraud problem in the UK.

"Unfortunately the government has chosen to make it an issue and are making it harder for people to vote.

I would urge every resident to check they have suitable photo ID ahead of the next elections and if they don’t to get their free photo ID.”

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “May’s elections may seem a distant thought, but it is worth voters taking note of the changes now, and checking they have appropriate ID. That way, when polling day arrives, all they have to do is remember to bring it.”

Questions and Answers

Why are the rules being changed?

The government is concerned that the current regulations are not secure enough to prevent fraud, although the extent of fraud in UK elections is open to debate.

What sort of ID can be used?

Voters can choose any form of ID so long as it has an up-to-date image and it is the original document, not a copy. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Passport issued by the UK, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country;
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state;
• Provisional driving licence
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person’s Bus Pass
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• Oyster 60+ Card

What happens if you don’t have any form of photo ID?

Voters without some form of photo ID can apply for what is termed a Voter Authority Certificate but must be on the electoral register to do so. You will need to provide your National Insurance number.

The deadline to apply for a certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Online applications should be made to the government rather than the council.

Applications can also be made by post and will involve filling out a paper application form and sending it to the local council.

A government helpline has been set up to provide help with applications and queries. It is 0800 328 0280. More information is also available online at www.electoralcommission.org.uk