In May 2018 we followed up on the pilot Voter ID scheme introduced in five English local authorities for the council elections.
The data revealed 340 people across Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking were not given their ballot papers because they did not have acceptable ID with them when they went to a polling station.
The councils reported a further 688 people were initially sent away but then returned later in the day with acceptable ID and cast their ballot.
Woking Borough Council also provided a breakdown of the type of ID presented. The most commonly used form was a driving licence, followed by a passport.
UPDATE [April 2019]: Data from the story was used again in a story on the local elections in 2019.
- CSV: Woking voters by form of ID used
- CSV: Voters with wrong or no ID who returned with correct ID, and who did not return - all 5 areas
- XLS: both sheets above
- Spokesman, The Electoral Reform Society
- Ray Morgan, returning officer, Woking Borough Council
- Doug Patterson, Chief executive and returning officer, Bromley Council
- Spokeswoman, UK Government
- Multiple bar chart: Impact of the voter ID trial - voters turned away from polling stations in 3 May 2018 local elections (did not vote vs returned later with correct ID)
- Donut chart: Types of ID presented by voters in Woking