17 April 2023 , 18:44
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An elections chief has admitted the upcoming local elections are unlikely to be delivered to the standard “that everybody would want to achieve”.
Peter Stanyon, who is chief executive of the association of electoral administrators, said there were still “unanswered questions” about how Voter ID will work at the ballot box.
“The majority of polling station staff are being trained as we speak, they are now beginning to understand the questions they will need to ask; the barrier that has potentially been put in there before we can actually issue that ballot paper,” he said.
“We're certainly not picking up any horror stories. We're also not picking up any [saying] this is a straightforward thing to deliver.”
Peter Stanyon, chief executive of the association of electoral administrators, said there were still 'unanswered questions' about how Voter IDSpeaking to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, Mr Stanyon added: “I think what I would say is the elections, will they be delivered to the standards that everybody would want to achieve? Possibly not. Will it be delivered to safe standards? Yes.”
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The Local Government Association has voiced fears that electoral officers will be "overwhelmed" on polling day as they grapple with "the biggest change to in-person voting in 150 years".
The Electoral Commission said extra staff will be deployed at some polling stations to make sure voters are aware of the new rules and to help manage any long queues.
Local elections on May 4 will be the first time it is compulsory to show a form of ID at the polling station.
Not all types of photo ID will be accepted, but a passport, driving licence or blue badge are valid.
Anyone without the correct identification will need to apply for a voter authority certificate by April 25.
The Government's introduction of compulsory photo ID has been branded "expensive" and "unnecessary" by Labour.
It has sparked concern among electoral reform campaigners, who say it could make it harder for some voters to cast their ballot.
The Daily Mirror’s Get ID, Get a Vote campaign was launched earlier this month to raise awareness that the rules have changed.
Up to 2.1 million are at risk of being turned away at polling stations as they don’t have photo ID.
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