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Elections Bill: New legislation to make it harder for young people to vote

But the amendment was rejected, and the reason given was that “the Commons consider the requirement to provide adequate photographic identification to be the most effective means of securing the integrity of the electoral system”.

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In December, MPs warned that millions of people could be locked out from voting due to not having a valid form of photo identification, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are less likely to possess valid ID. 

Recent research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that low-income potential voters are six times less likely to have a photo ID than their wealthier counterparts. 

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The Labour Party has previously accused Boris Johnson and his government of trying to “choose voters” through the Elections Bill, saying that the legislation would make it difficult for low-income and homeless people to vote.

Polling by YouGov shows a clear age split in party allegiance at the 2019 election, with 56 per cent of Labour voters in the 18-24 bracket, and 67 per cent of Conservative voters in the top 70+ age bracket. 

Dr Jess Garland, Director of Policy and Research, Electoral Reform Society said:

“Allowing bus passes and Oyster cards for older voters but refusing to accept the same forms of ID for young people is the kind of democratic discrimination that make this bill so dangerous.

“If the government wants to improve elections in the UK it should be finding ways to encourage voter engagement – especially amongst young people who typically turnout less at election time.

“The Elections Bill is a full fronted attack on our democracy – and one that could see millions shut out from polling stations on election day.”

Alex Norris MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Levelling Up and Elections, said:

“Now more than ever we need to protect our democracy and the institutions that make it fair.

“Just as with Owen Paterson and with their attempts to prevent the Prime Minister being investigated for lying about breaking lockdown rules, the Tories are trying to rig the rules of the game to help themselves, with potentially dangerous consequences.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has been contacted for comment. 

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