Cumbria’s politicians have shared their thoughts on new requirements for voters to show ID to vote in elections.

From May, voters will be required to show ID before they can vote.

The Electoral Commission has been given the public money for an advertising campaign focusing on the scheme’s introduction at May’s local elections in England, despite concerns the move could disenfranchise voters, while there is little evidence of electoral fraud at polling stations.

Anyone who does not have appropriate identification will be able to apply for a free document - but there are concerns more marginalised communities will face fresh challenges to voting.

One such critic with these concerns is Trans Actual UK’s jane fae, who said transgender people will face problems.

She said: “There’s lots of research that shows minorities and vulnerable people have problems with voter ID.”

She said some issues trans people may face are that they’re less likely to carry photo ID, as for some it’s a triggering reminder of something they’re trying to transition from.

She added this is similar for trans people who may find the process of applying for voter ID traumatic, and those with a gender recognition certificate have their tax data excluded from the NI database, meaning voter ID applications may fail.

This is a feature of GRCs - to prevent the revelation of transgender people's old or dead names and identity, and is a similar policy to those in witness protection.

Also critical was Julie Minns, the Labour candidate for Carlisle at the next general election, who said: “Voter ID has nothing to do with electoral fraud, and everything to do with stopping marginal groups - including older people - from exercising their right to vote.

“In 2021, not one of the 315 cases of alleged electoral fraud resulted in a conviction.

“That the Conservative Government is spending £180million on a pointless voter ID system at a time when local people are struggling to pay their energy bills, tells you everything you need to know about their priorities."

However, speaking in support was Conservative MP for Workington, Mark Jenkinson, who said: “Under the current system, how does a poll clerk determine an offence of impersonation when all a voter has to give is their name and nothing else?

“The Government has also now published its digital identity trust framework to make it faster and easier for people to verify themselves using modern technology through a process as trusted as using drivers’ licenses or passports.  

“A secure electoral system is a vital component of a healthy democracy, and the public must have confidence that our elections are secure and fit for the 21st century.”

Also welcoming the policy was Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border, Neil Hudson.

“I fully support the Government with their plans for photographic identification to be implemented at polling stations. 

“Voters must have confidence that our elections are fit for purpose and this measure, alongside others, set out in the Elections Act, ensures the UK remains a bastion of democracy with a strong and secure electoral system,” he said.

READ MORE: Cumbria's politicians react to landmark Northern Ireland agreement