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Written question asked by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 18 July 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 August 2025. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Monday, 28 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Elections: Proof of Identity

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the integrity of elections carried out without the requirement for photographic voter identification.

Answer

Legitimate electors should not be prevented from voting and we are committed to ensuring that everyone eligible is able and encouraged to do so. We believe it is appropriate to retain the requirement to show ID to protect our electors from the risk of personation, but the current rules are too restrictive.

Allowing the use of UK issued bank cards will improve the policy by increasing accessibility and ease for legitimate electors to prove their identity, while maintaining a proportionate and secure ID check. UK banks conduct a range of rigorous identity verification and anti-money laundering processes before opening bank accounts for their clients and issuing bank cards.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9659
Session
2024-26
Related items
Elections: Proof of Identity
Friday, 21 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Elections Proof of identity
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk