According to data from the local elections held last Thursday, an overwhelming 99.7% of voters who cast their ballot in person at polling stations presented an approved form of photo ID, which was made mandatory for the first time across the country.
In Swindon, where 37,148 electors voted across 103 polling stations, along with postal votes the total number of votes cast was 58,109, leading to a turnout of 35.46%, up from 33% last year.
Although initially 419 voters were turned away for not having the required ID, 307 returned with valid identification and were able to vote. At the end of polling day, only 112 voters were unable to cast their ballot due to not meeting the new requirements.
The Council launched a campaign in January to inform residents about the new voter ID requirements through various channels, such as social media, e-newsletters, printed media, local businesses, and organisations. The information was also included in poll card letters issued to all voters prior to the elections.
Susie Kemp, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “We ran an extensive borough-wide campaign to let residents know about the photo ID requirements in the run-up to the local elections so it’s brilliant that the vast majority of voters arrived at the polling station with an approved form of ID.
“While it is disappointing to turn any elector away, it was extremely important that we complied with the new regulations which were introduced for polls from 4 May and I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard at polling stations to support these changes.”
