Short notice “Major” Voter ID changes could prevent fair vote  

At Wednesday's full council meeting of Warwick District Council, Green Party Councillor Will Roberts asked whether there were concerns about the implementation of the new voter ID rules introduced by central government which are due to be brought in before next May's local elections. Cllr Roberts highlighted that the chair of the Local Government Association has called for the implementation of these new rules to be postponed until after the May's elections as there are fears councils won't be able to implement the changes properly which could impact people’s ability to vote.

The chief executive of Warwick District Council, Chris Elliott, said on the night:

"In my role as Returning Officer Warwick Districts Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer I do have concerns about the introduction of such major changes so close to scheduled elections. They are reflected nationally.

But, as we do look ahead, every single member of my Electoral Services Team and members of the polling station teams want people to vote, because that’s why we are here. But we realise that there may be potential instances of electors not being able to vote because they do not comply with the new regulations.

Green Party Councillor Will Roberts who asked the question on the evening has said.

"I’m very worried that the highly-respected Local Government Association and Warwick District's Chief Executive are concerned about the impact on the democratic process; also how will these reforms impact young voters. How come a bus pass for anyone over 60 is a valid form of ID, yet rail and student cards aren't valid, meaning on average young people will be discriminated against compared to older voters?”

Central government are due to make a final decision in January, only 4 months before the elections.