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Elections: Proof of Identity

Asked by Paul HolmesConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 19 June 2026UIN 6030

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 124770 on Elections: Proof of Identity, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that policy on levels of personation in areas with large numbers of individuals with the same surname.

Answered by Samantha Dixon

No such assessment has been made. Allowing UK‑authorised bank cards to be used at polling stations in Great Britain is intended to enable a greater proportion of legitimate electors to meet the voter identification requirements more easily. It is unacceptable for legitimate voters to be prevented or discouraged from voting, and unnecessary barriers to participation must be reduced.

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