UK General Election Voting
It has been an interesting time at Saorsascot these past few months. Independence marching season has started, misinformation about how to vote in the Scottish elections in 2026 are already being spread by so called independence supporters and with down south continued Red/Blue Tory Scotland bad and Westminster good.
This blog will look at a glance of voting and hopefully clear some things for people who are not still too sure. Voter ID has now been introduced by the Tories and some experts say it could influence the result of the upcoming General Election as polling suggests issues could be particularly acute in Scotland. Voter ID will apply to UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
At local Council Elections down south in May 2024 the law caught out former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was so rightfully turned away from a polling station for forgetting his ID, some people have said it was more and likely a PR stunt so he can be back in the limelight. Tory MP Tom Hunt was also turned away.
At the moment voters in Scotland will not need to show photo ID at the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026 or at local Council Elections, however this could possibly change.
What ID is Needed?
A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card).
Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state or a Blue Badge.
A Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass).
The following link will give you more detail https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
Some of you will be thinking, why are you telling me something that I already know? In April 2024, a 15,000-voter poll conducted by Survation for campaign group ‘Best for Britain’ showed a clear divide in awareness of the new law at the Scottish Borders. In Dumfries and Galloway, 25.6% of people said they didn’t know they needed photo ID to vote in the Westminster Elections. The Scottish average was 27%.
Polling from YouGov published in May 2nd 2024, found a similarly stark divide, with 12% of people in England unaware of the need for voter ID compared to 34% in Scotland. This is very concerning and will cost votes. The upcoming Westminster General Election will be the first time many Scots will be asked to show voter ID in order to cast a ballot. If these statistics don’t drop significantly then there will be trouble ahead as it is hard enough trying to get people to vote; now there is another obstacle added in the way.
If you are one of these people that this process is putting you off then a simple way is to apply online to vote by post. You will also need to prove your identity as part of the application process and reapply for a postal vote every three years on the Government website. Remember you still have to prove your identity as part of the application process and you can only hold a postal vote for three years then you need to reapply.
If you want to apply online then go to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
References
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24298581.voter-id-laws-may-significantly-impact-scottish-general-election/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1x01G6_iNV88iJeQ_NhaHdFgqplrFEv4YmzpFIYspxpVWCD026QbpndIo_aem_AbhTRRE4OCS136tsItNJ4371WgGoMoNFQeI4iprtPkvKzl-gQAquguC6Bd2FvZvuRDT_YllkIFKbpBOj5zHUot8F
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-views/elections-act/changes-postal-voting
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote