Instances of voters being turned away from polling stations due to confusion over photo ID requirements have been recorded by European election observers watching voting in England on Thursday.
While the problem is not regarded as widespread, it has been noted by the delegation from the Council of Europe, which will issue a report on the local elections in England as well as the Scottish and Welsh government elections.
The potential threat of interference by Russia or another hostile state was among issues discussed during talks this week involving the 17-member delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which represents 46 European member states. While Russian interference is understood not to be considered an issue in these elections, the visit is part of moves to share information among European states.
The delegation will publish a report on Friday that is expected to address issues including the extent to which there have been concerns over the organisation of polling stations, training of staff, access for people with disabilities and where there has been any harassment or any form of interference.
Steve Reed, the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, met members of the delegation in Westminster on Wednesday. Representatives from Labour and the Greens also met the delegation.
The observers, who include politicians from Ireland, Poland, Germany, Moldova and other states, were at voting stations on Thursday. Locations included Gorton and Denton, where in February a UK-based election observer group raised concerns over people appearing to collude on voting in the byelection. Police subsequently concluded an inquiry into alleged “family voting” after finding no evidence of “any intent to influence or refrain any person” from casting a ballot.
Jani Kokko, a member of the Finnish parliament, told the Guardian: “The Congress of the Council of Europe is the only international organisation that observes local and regional elections. This time, observation of this nature is more important than ever because of the increasing threat posed by foreign interference, attempts to undermine democracy, and disinformation.
“I think this work is really important, not just here in the UK in terms of the recommendations we can make but also in terms of what we can learn from measures being taken here.”
The confusion witnessed over photo identification requirements came in London and is understood to relate to the type of official document needed.
The Elections Act 2022 introduced the requirement of bringing valid photo ID to be able to vote in some UK elections, including general elections and local elections in England. Accepted forms of ID include a passport or a photo driving licence. Concerns were expressed at the time that the move could lead to the disenfranchisement of some groups who were more likely to lack one or other of the accepted forms of ID.
A council in Scotland apologised this week after sending out polling cards in envelopes that incorrectly said photo identification would be needed to vote in the Scottish parliament elections. Photo ID rules also do not apply in the Welsh Senedd elections.
