Boris Johnson turned away from polling station for forgetting photo ID
03.05.2024 - 06:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former prime minister Boris Johnson was reportedly turned away from a polling station for forgetting to bring photo ID with him.
The former Tory PM was initially unable to cast his vote in the local elections on Thursday, May 2, after falling foul of the rules that his government introduced with the Elections Act 2022, according to Sky News.
Mr Johnson reportedly returned with his ID later on and was able to cast his ballot in South Oxfordshire, where voters were choosing a new police and crime commissioner.
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The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced for the first time last year. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (Pass) cards, Blue Badges, and some concessionary travel cards.
The Electoral Commission said “most voters” were able to cast their ballots despite the ID requirements. A spokesperson said: "Our initial assessment of the elections is that they were well-run, and millions of voters were able to exercise their democratic rights. This is a testament to the efforts of electoral administrators, who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth delivery and integrity of polls."
It comes as the government confirmed it intends to make veterans’ ID cards a valid form of voter identification after former service personnel were turned away from polling stations. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer apologised to those who had been unable to use their veterans’ ID card to vote in the local elections, vowing to “do all I can” to have it added to the list of valid identification.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “It is our intention for the new Veteran Card, which was rolled out in January,