Swindon voters praised for remembering photo ID

Nearly everyone who went to vote at a polling station in Swindon on 2 May brought an approved form of photo ID.

In total, 99.8 per cent of electors had the right ID and were able to vote at this year’s elections, up from 99.7 per cent last year.

Across Swindon, 32,621 electors voted at 105 polling stations on 2 May for both the borough council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Combined with postal voters, a total of 52,343 votes were cast across the town, resulting in a 31 per cent turnout – down from 35.46 per cent last year.

While 373 electors were initially turned away, 81 per cent of those (302) returned with acceptable ID and were able to vote. This meant that at the end of polling day, just 71 electors who tried to vote in a polling station were not given a ballot paper because they did not meet the voter ID requirements that were implemented in 2022.

A campaign was launched by Swindon Borough Council in February to remind residents of the Voter ID requirements in the run-up to the local elections. Information about the voter ID requirement was also on the poll cards delivered to all voters ahead of the elections.

Sam Mowbray, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “Throughout our borough-wide campaign, we made significant efforts to inform residents about the photo ID requirements leading up to the local elections.

"It's fantastic to see that the vast majority of voters came to the polling stations with an approved form of ID.

“While it’s unfortunate to have to turn any elector away, ensuring compliance with the voter ID regulations that came into effect in 2022, and first implemented last year, was essential. I want to express my thanks to everyone who worked at the polling stations to support these changes.

“Residents will need to show Voter ID in order to vote at the general election that is due to be called this year.

"I encourage those who may not have suitable ID to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate that can be used instead.”

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on the Government's website.