For the first time ever, the use of photographic identification will be needed for voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming local elections.
The Conservative government introduced this legislation requiring ID to vote in the Elections Act 2022; the government believing that the lack of required ID was an ‘actual and perceived weakness’ in the British voting system.
The introduction of the measures looks to clamp down on voter fraud – though it is argued that this will disenfranchise minorities and young people who are less likely to own photo ID.
Projections have suggested that this requirement will not have a major impact on turnout – but young people in Sheffield were largely in opposition to the new system ahead of next Thursday’s locals.