12th May, 2021.
Remember yesterday’s
Teaser post … ?
Where I talked about the Voter ID provisions in the Queens Speech?
I’ve posted a few bits and bobs on Facebook, including a link to an official petition about it.
You can find that,
here, if it’s something you want to sign. Oh, and you’re in the UK.
I’ve ALSO emailed my MP about it.
If you’re in the UK, feel free to do likewise.
Here’s what I wrote, if you wanted to use a template:
“I seen today’s Queen Speech: and noted, with interest, the announcements about the Election Integrity Bill.
Including its provision for photo ID.
Can I ask if you’ll be voting for this bill?
As I feel there are objections to it: in particular, the clause about photographic ID.
As someone who’s unemployed?
The clause means spending money on ID.
Money I don’t have much of, as I’m on Universal Credit.
Money that needs to be spent on food and bills.
And money I don’t need to spend: on a human right — voting — that I can currently do for free.
It’s an objection I feel many I know will have: an objection that says you — and your fellow MPs — are making us buy our right to vote.
It’s not the only objection.
Because many will not be able to afford ID, this will reduce the number of people turning out to vote.
Something I know MPs have complained about.
Any MPs voting for this clause, including you?
Will be voting to reduce voter turnout. Will be voting to reduce the number of people voting for them, and you.
Something that could well be fatal in marginal Conservative seats: and see your own majority fall.
I hate to sound crass: but an MP voting for this would be a turkey voting for Christmas.
As a final objection?
I’m told the bill is designed to prevent voter fraud.
And have to ask how photo ID will prevent this: as most voter fraud is done through
postal vote. Something I know Eric Pickles, your predecessor as Brentwood and Ongar MP, has
reported on.
With all this said?
I must reiterate and expand my original question.
Will you be voting for this bill?
And will you be voting for this clause?
Especially when it denies many of us a vote.”
You’ll find your MP,
here.
As a final point?
I’m told that the government commissioned a report on the subject:
here.
It specifically addresses the idea of free photo ID, twice: in the Introduction and Methodology section.
It’s good to see it acknowledged.
But? As Radio Four’s Today programme has just pointed out?
There are STILL hidden costs, there.
You have to pay for the ID photos. You’ll need to show proof of address: a bill, for example. In all probability, you’ll need a birth certificate.
The last couple of times I needed photos? I had to borrow money to get them: and travel to Chelmsford, as the photo booth in Brentwood wasn’t working.
Bills? Mine are increasingly on line. And printing them out at the library, difficult, under lockdown.
Don’t get me started on Birth Certificates: a replacement one costs anything up to £35 …
It’s …
Frankly?
Voter ID is a nice idea.
But it’s a badly thought out bad idea: with still too many hidden costs, and (possible) hidden
damage …
