Island Echo always welcomes letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
Letter to the editor – 7th December 2023
“I believe that every eligible voter should be able to vote in local and parliamentary elections without being faced with unnecessary barriers. “The recently published government-commissioned report on Voter ID confirms what many already suspected: the requirement for photo ID discourages voters and denies them their democratic right. “Thousands were denied a vote in May, due to the lack of correct photo ID, and many more people will lose their vote at the General Election likely to be held next year. “Independent research has confirmed that the photo ID requirement has disproportionately affected the groups that are already the most excluded from the democratic process. “The Government has failed to propose any solutions, leaving us with a flawed system that is costly, unnecessary, and discriminatory. “I hope that Bob Seely MP will call for the Voter ID scheme to be scrapped before it further undermines our democracy. “Make sure you don’t lose your vote. If you do not have a photo ID, you can apply to the Isle of Wight Council for the Voter Authority Certificate. “Phone customer services on 821000 or go to the visitor centre at County Hall in Newport. Or you can apply for a postal vote, as these do not require a photo ID.”
Maggie Isle of Wight
