Decision details

The Council considered a report on the outcome of the Voter ID pilot in May 2018 which had required all electors who had voted at a polling station to bring photographic ID.  Over 99% of those voting had brought along the correct form of ID, with photo ID driving licences having proved most popular.  A total of 63 Local Elector Cards had been issued, of which 43 had been used on the day. 

Looking to the future, the Council was advised that the Cabinet Office had indicated that it was keen to have further pilots in 2019 with a view to refining the systems tested in May.  The Cabinet Office had invited expressions of interest from local authorities and the report recommended that Woking Borough sought to participate again.

The outcomes of the May 2018 pilot were discussed and, whilst a few concerns were raised that some voters had chosen not to participate because of the ID requirement or had brought the wrong ID, the report was welcomed.  The success of the pilot had in part been due to the extensive publicity undertaken by the Council and the Elections Team was congratulated on its approach.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.8, the names of Members voting for and against the recommendations were recorded.

In favour:                   Councillors Mrs H Addison, M Ali, S Ashall, A Azad,              A-M Barker, D Bittleston, J Bond, A Bowes, G Chrystie,        G Cundy, K Davis, I Eastwood, D Harlow, D Hughes,         Mrs B Hunwicks, S Hussain, I Johnson, C Kemp, L Lyons,     N Martin, R Mohammed, L Morales, M I Raja, C Rana and     M Whitehand.

                                   TOTAL in favour – 25

Against:                      Councillors T Aziz, A Boote and M Bridgeman.

                                   TOTAL against – 3

The recommendations were therefore carried by 25 votes to 3 votes. 

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the outcome of the 2018 voter ID pilot be noted; and

          (ii)   the Council participate in the voter ID pilot in May 2019.