THE number of city people who were unable to vote in the general election because of issues with voter ID has been revealed.

Dozens of people in Worcester did not return to vote after being turned away at the polling station at the recent general election, figures show.

Since May 2023, voters have needed to show photo ID to vote in UK parliamentary elections, and for local elections and referendums in England.

The move has proved controversial, with some groups saying it may make voting harder for younger people and ethnic minorities, who are less likely to have a valid form of photo ID.

New figures from the Electoral Commission show 104 voters were initially turned away from polling stations in Worcester due to ID rules in the general election this July.

While 63 of these returned to vote, 41 did not, meaning 0.1 per cent of voters in the city who applied for a ballot paper on polling day were unable to vote.

The organisation cautions the true number may be higher than this, as some voters may have been told about the ID requirement by staff before they asked for a ballot, and therefore would not have been recorded as being turned away.

A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "People can apply for a voter authority certificate until six days before an election.

"If someone loses their ID, they can apply for someone to proxy vote on their behalf online until 5pm on polling day."

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The Electoral Commission has warned some may have been put off voting by the new rules.

Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said: "This was the first time all voters across the UK were required to show photographic ID at a general election, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully.

"However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting – and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say.

"Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process."

The Labour party's election manifesto committed to "addressing the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting".