Policymakers urged to consider the impact of the new rules on Voter ID for young wheelchair users

Today is polling day across the UK and Whizz-Kidz is calling on the UK Government to address the concerns of young wheelchair users and to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. The Government is introducing compulsory voter ID for the 2023 local elections and we are urging policymakers to consider the impact of the new rules on young wheelchair users. From this year, voters must prove their identity by showing a form of eligible photo ID at any polling station across Great Britain. Acceptable forms of ID will include a driving licence, passport, blue badge or an identity card with the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card). Obtaining any of the listed forms of identification is an ‘ongoing issue for disabled people’, reflecting the more widespread barriers they encounter in life.

People who want to vote but do not have one of the approved forms of photo ID, are now able to apply for a Free Voter Card, called a Voter Authority Certificate. However, there has been little communication from Government to the public, including wheelchair users, of the process for applying and receiving a Voter Authority Certificate from their local council, and how the government will ensure that this system will not be abused by carers, care staff or others who may vote on behalf of a disabled person. There has been minimal uptake of Voter Authority Certificates and we are concerned that this includes wheelchair users who have not been made aware of the scheme or have found the application process challenging.

As a charity that supports young wheelchair users we are disappointed that the UK Government has rejected urgent calls by the Local Government Association to postpone the implementation of the Voter ID reforms until after the local elections. This is despite the Electoral Commission cautioning the government that a national rollout of a voter ID scheme must be introduced with manageable timescales and appropriate funding to ensure voting is accessible. Whizz-Kidz believe that rushing through these reforms, without enough resources, time, guidance, and consideration of the unique needs of voters – including disabled people –will undermine universal access to voting.

Penelope, 20 from Derby, is the current chair of the Kidz Board and has been a beneficiary of various Whizz-Kidz’ services since receiving her first wheelchair at age five said;

“Government forms and processes are usually very inaccessible. Many people need help filling the forms. This will make the process harder and longer, adding to the likelihood of not rolling out these certificates in time to vote. The government does not have the best track record in providing basic provision for disabled people. For example, it has taken me 3 months for me to renew an existing blue badge.” 

Last January, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced that they “have and will continue to work with charities and civil society organisations across the UK to ensure that voter identification works for all voters”. However, months later, neither young wheelchair users nor Whizz-Kidz have been consulted in the development of this scheme.

Penelope added;

“It sounds like the plans have already been set to roll out these new rules, [but] were disabled people involved in the consultation and planning of this?”

Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive at Whizz-Kidz added;

“Assuming that young wheelchair users already possess, or can easily access, these forms of identification demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the challenges and hurdles that so often exclude them from activities that others take for granted.

Owning a passport or a driving licence, for instance, is more often than not influenced by a young wheelchair user’s level of access to overseas travel or ability to drive a vehicle.

It is also impacted by financial constraints. Disabled people are often worse off financially than their peers, partly because of the discrimination they face in accessing education and employment opportunities.”  

At Whizz-Kidz, we are calling on the UK Government to address the concerns of young wheelchair users and to ensure everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so. Theses local elections in England will be the next opportunity to have a say at polling booths and young wheelchair users have the right to decide their future.”