Boris Johnson Denied Voting at Local Polling Station Due to Lack of Photo ID
Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced an embarrassing moment when he was turned away from his local polling station for forgetting to bring acceptable photo ID. Johnson, who later returned with the required identification, cast his ballot in South Oxfordshire, where voters are selecting a police and crime commissioner.
The incident underscores the implementation of new rules introduced by Johnson’s government in the Elections Act 2022, which mandates photo ID for voting. Last year’s local elections in England marked the first instance where voters needed to show ID, resulting in approximately 14,000 individuals being unable to vote due to the new regulations.
Various forms of ID are deemed acceptable, including passports, driving licenses, and specific bus passes. However, the government has faced criticism, particularly regarding veterans’ ID cards. Army veteran Adam Diver expressed disappointment after being turned away from a polling station despite presenting his veterans’ ID card, prompting an apology from Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer.
The government intends to rectify the oversight by including veterans’ ID cards in the list of acceptable voter identification. Additionally, Conservative MP Tom Hunt highlighted his dyspraxia as a factor in losing his passport, necessitating an emergency proxy vote.
Despite reported issues, Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized that the majority of voters found the process straightforward. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, familiar with Johnson, commented on the incident, noting Johnson’s swift resolution to the matter.
While the Electoral Commission acknowledged some challenges, it affirmed that most voters were able to cast their ballots. Nevertheless, it will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to address any potential obstacles to participation, emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns regarding the new rules.