Photo ID is needed
This is due to a cynical move by the government designed to keep working class people, young people, homeless people, and ethnic minorities away from the ballot box.
Many people in these groups don’t have photo ID and may be unwilling or unable to spare the money to obtain them.
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Hide AdVoter impersonation is incredibly rare, with just one conviction in the 2017 general election.
This is not a pressing issue, but rather a convenient cover story for the Conservative government to try to push away voters who are less likely to support them.
Why would the government do this?
Voters over 70 are three times more likely to vote Conservative than young people.
If you’re in any doubt about the government’s intent, you need only look to London Oyster cards. The 60+ Oyster card will be accepted as valid photo ID, but the virtually identical 18+ Oyster card, and Young Person’s Railcards, will not be accepted.
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Hide AdA list of acceptable ID cards is at www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/voter-id.
You can apply for free photo ID by the April 25 deadline to vote in the council elections on May 4.
Register to vote by April 17 and apply for a postal vote by April 18 via www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/voting
Don’t forget to bring your ID when you vote at a polling station from now on.
Don’t let the Tories get away with this attack on your right to vote, which must be rolled back once they are voted out of office.
Ash Routh
Council election candidate, Walkley Green Party