Voter ID law denies over 13,000 in England local election votes

More than 13,000 people in England were denied a vote in local elections this month due to the government's new ID law, with those in poorer areas most impacted.

The overhaul was criticised for suppressing turnout and affecting elderly voters who traditionally supported the governing Conservative Party.

A government spokesperson stated they were "encouraged by the roll-out" but opposition politicians argued it was "undermining and undervaluing our democracy." It is likely that the actual impact of the law is higher as some who do not have ID did not bother to vote.

A recent survey conducted by the government in England found that many people in deprived areas were unable to vote due to issues with voter ID, with Walsall having the highest number of people unable to vote out of all local authorities.

The government plans to toughen the rules around postal voting and requirements for voting on behalf of others as part of a review of voter ID.

The Electoral Commission will also publish its initial findings in June.