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Supporting Voter
ID
 
Councillor Bret Facey moved and Councillor
Phil Bibby CC seconded the following motion:
 
“Stevenage Borough
Council recognises the importance of public trust in the security
of the electoral process.
 
This Council notes:
 
·            
The threats to the democratic process must be
combated to protect the integrity of our democracy.
·            
That the independent Electoral Commission has called
for a resolution to issues relating to voter ID in the
UK.
·            
The recent law change allows for the provision of
free voter ID cards (Voter Authority Certificates) which are issued
by local authorities. This means financial hardship will not be a
barrier to a voter’s ability to get an ID and cast their
ballot.
This Council
believes:
 
·            
Considering how frequently residents now require ID
in their day-to-day lives, the new requirement for voters to have
ID to vote is a reasonable approach to reducing the threat of voter
fraud and ensures that there are still not significant barriers to
voting.
·            
That the system for applying for voter ID for those
without a valid voter ID is simple and has ensured that all can
access the electoral process.
This Council
resolves:
 
·            
To put on record its support for the Election Act
2022’s positive change which has introduced voter ID to
further safeguard our democratic process.
·            
To fulfil its duty to properly inform residents
about the latest change in voting requirements.

·            
To commit to continuing to use its communication
channels to notify residents about the need for voter ID in next
year’s Local Elections and potential parliamentary
elections.”
Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, the motion was
lost.