FOI request (FOIR-503291185)

Potential impact of voter ID in the upcoming May election

Requested Fri 31 March 2023
Responded  Fri 21 April 2023

I am enquiring about preparations ahead of the May local elections now that voters will be required to have voter ID.

1a. Has your council made any assessments on the potential impact that the requirement for voters to show ID will have, for example on voter turnout or on staffing needed?

1b. If so, please provide a copy of or link to the document(s).

Response

Hastings Borough Council does not have scheduled elections in May 2023.

Preparations for May 2024 elections will be carried out in conjunction with The Electoral Commission Returning Officer guidance, as well as guidance from the central government, specifically the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The former includes guidance on staffing ratios to help mitigate the impact of Voter ID in the polling station. This can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

This link to additional guidance may also assist:

https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-11/Key%20considerations%20for%20the%20implementation%20of%20the%20Elections%20Act%202022.pdf

There is also information on our website relating to the changes provided for by the Elections Act, in particular, Voter ID:

https://www.hastings.gov.uk/voting_elections/voterid/