Labour MP expresses concerns over compulsory Voter ID for local elections

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Labour MP Tracy Brabin has raised concerns over the introduction of compulsory voter ID for the upcoming local elections, particularly as young people and those from minority ethnic, disability, and low-income backgrounds could be disproportionately impacted. The MP argues that there are very real fears that the new voter ID will overwhelm some local authorities, which have to send out polling cards while also processing applications for Voter Authority Certificates (VACs) for nearly two million voters who do not possess government-approved photo ID.

Furthermore, the demand for individual voter registration disproportionately affects younger voters, particularly those aged 18-25 in rented accommodation, who already face numerous barriers to voting. Research has shown that the more complex the voting process, the less likely younger voters, especially first-time voters, are to make it to the ballot box. Accepted forms of voter ID generally favor older voters, with student ID and travelcards deemed too insecure.

The provision of citizenship education in schools has deteriorated due to a lack of appropriate government support, and a failure to invest in trained teachers and resources. This, combined with cuts in government spending since 2010, has seen huge reductions in funding for youth services, and declines in youth volunteering and social action.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.mirror.co.uk/