Thanks to @IainDale for having me on this evening.
A couple of points on ID checks that might be of use
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A couple of points on ID checks that might be of use
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This recorded 336 cases of electoral fraud, plus another 69 complaints
As you can see this is a typical level in recent years
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As you can see this is a typical level in recent years
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For context, there are about 45 million people who could eligible to vote in the UK
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One argument would be that it's a very small problem, so doesn't need attention
But given the centrality of elections to our democratic system that's a rubbish argument
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But given the centrality of elections to our democratic system that's a rubbish argument
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However, a much better argument is that requiring ID checks results in many more people not voting than are prevented from voting fraudulently
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In this year's local elections, a 10 ward trial resulted in about 750 people being turned away, who then did not return to vote, so about 0.5% of likely voters
A good summary here: blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpol…
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A good summary here: blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpol…
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Thus, in reducing one problem, you create a much bigger one, roughly 100 times bigger
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That's even before we get into the Q of who gets turned away, but it tends to disadvantage those in already marginal situations
That reinforces their social exclusion, by removing one more way to get their voice represented
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That reinforces their social exclusion, by removing one more way to get their voice represented
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So, it's not that fraud isn't an issue, but rather that in trying to deal with like this, we risk creating an ever more problematic situation
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