Most politicians, by their very nature, stand for election to try to make a difference – to create a lasting legacy that will outlive their time in office. But not all legacies are positive.
As many parts of the country head to the polls today, one of the many lasting legacies of former communities’ secretary Eric Pickles will loom large – voter ID.
When the now Lord Pickles began his effort to tackle electoral fraud, the overwhelming view was that his plans were a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Despite issues with postal voting – and the odd conspiracy theorist claim that councils used pencils in polling stations to rub out results – the policy tackled those arriving at the ballot box in person where there were few problems.
Local authorities have done all they can to raise awareness of voter ID, particularly Broadland and South Holland managing director Trevor ‘T-dawg’ Holden, whose viral rap video upped the ante for future awareness campaigns. But it will still mean the woefully poor turnout at local elections could be far lower.
What’s more, it is likely to be more diverse and deprived communities, those without access to passports for foreign holidays or driving licences, that are likely to be excluded. For a sector that prides itself on democracy, turning away voters is an outrage.
What’s more, exclusion figures are set to be masked. Only those that get into the polling station will be registered. Those turned away at the door, who see signs at the entry, who realise they are without ID on the walk to vote, will not be counted.
And now it transpires the data will only be available at council level. We will never know which communities or wards have been disenfranchised. Those diverse and deprived communities whose voices should be heard.
As councils face a busy time of polling days, counts and coronations – and good luck to Liverpool for the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest – it is clear they have worked to mitigate the worst impact of the Government’s voter ID policy.
So good luck. May the elections return politicians with the very best legacies.
