Why you won't need ID to vote in General Election 2019

VOTERS heading to the polls next month for the General Election will not need to bring ID with them – despite trials already taking place.
By David George
Published 30th Oct 2019, 08:35 BST
Updated 13th Nov 2019, 10:46 BST

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In the future, voters will need ID with them in order to post into the ballot box. Picture: ShutterstockIn the future, voters will need ID with them in order to post into the ballot box. Picture: Shutterstock
In the future, voters will need ID with them in order to post into the ballot box. Picture: Shutterstock

In 2018, five towns – including Gosport – had a voter ID trial during the local elections, which was considered a success in a report by the Electoral Commission.

But regardless of the apparent success of this trial, voter ID will not be implemented at the upcoming General Election on December 12.

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An election has been called for December 12. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA WireAn election has been called for December 12. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
An election has been called for December 12. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The reason for this is actually relatively simple.

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Even though a trial has been held, the implementation of voter ID has not yet passed through parliament.

As with all legislation, it would need royal assent from Her Majesty The Queen before it becomes compulsory in elections.

ALSO READ: Gosport's voter ID trial is considered a success by Electoral Commission

In her speech opening parliament in October, she outlined that voter ID becoming legal is on the cards.

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‘My government will take steps to protect the integrity of democracy and the electoral system in the United Kingdom,’ she said.

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