'You need less ID to vote than to park or bank' blog discussion

esuhl

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

I've never heard of anyone whose vote was "stolen", so I can't imagine it's much of a problem.

I was at a polling station with my mother roughly 8 or 10 years ago and was given a large-print copy of the ballot slip as she is partially-sighted. Apparently the large-print version is just to help, and she should also have been given a standard ballot slip on which to cast her vote. She asked for one and was told it had been given to her. I was standing right next to her and know for certain that this was a lie.

So - she lost her ability to vote. I bet this happens an awful lot due to the system failing to work properly... but I reckon people can make it look like an accident to cover up their corruption too.

Old_Wrinkly

donquine wrote: »

Said I had no card, they said that was fine, asked for my address, told me my name and gave me a ballot paper!

I thought they were supposed to ask you for your name, not give it to you. I suppose you were either the sole occupant or the only one left to vote, but I don't think that was quite in accordance with the rules.

I always feel uneasy about voting in pencil. I would have thought it more secure to provide pens?

I understand that you are allowed to use pen. So presumably you could take your own. I suspect the 'pencil thing' is from a time when pencils were a lot cheaper than pens, and no one has ever bothered to change it.

Old_Wrinkly

euterpe13 wrote: »

All of which supports the use of photographic ID cards, anathema though it may be to the Brit in the street - in both France & Spain, you produce ID to vote.

You need photographic ID to vote in N. Ireland. (I read it from some official website - I don't live there).

Old_Wrinkly

esuhl wrote: »

I was at a polling station with my mother roughly 8 or 10 years ago and was given a large-print copy of the ballot slip as she is partially-sighted. Apparently the large-print version is just to help, and she should also have been given a standard ballot slip on which to cast her vote. She asked for one and was told it had been given to her. I was standing right next to her and know for certain that this was a lie.
So - she lost her ability to vote.

Clearly this shouldn't have happened - for a variety of reasons.
Even if she had been given a standard ballot slip (and I'm not doubting you, of course - just playing devil's advocate), she is entitled to have a replacement - in case she put the mark against the wrong name, or unintentionally spoiled it.
Unless the clerks are saying that they saw her put a ballot paper into the box, then she should have been entitled to one.

barrymoney

postal vote fraud could be a big story this time. I'm not *that* worried about voter fraud in person at the polling station. What ID would really prove 100%? (dont say ID cards!). And there are x million people going out to vote, I dont see what could be done. Taking a utility bill or something doesnt work - many people wont have that ID (easily faked also). I suppose its a bit odd that you can vote without the polling card... must be a reason for it (??).

glider3560

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

Though, interestingly, we had a Lib-Dem council candidate knock earlier to see if we'd voted (we had). I would imagine that if we hadn't the next question would have been if we intended to.

At my polling station, a Lib Dem volunteer (known as a Teller) was sat outside noting down people's unique polling numbers on a pink piece of paper. Saw her walking down my road later on in the day with the same piece of paper in her hand, along with a copy of the electoral roll and was knocking on doors. Presumably ensuring that people go and vote!

I believe they used to arrange for people to be taken in a taxi/bus to the polling station. Not sure if they are still allowed to do this?

In another thread, I mentioned about the Northern Ireland system. You have to present photographic ID to vote. If you don't have any, then you have to apply for a voters card (Electoral Identity Card) in advance of the polling day. Seems like a fair enough system.

laurel7172

I didn't get my polling card for the General Election, though I'd already had one for the council.

It wasn't a problem, though. Name, address, ballot paper. It would be hard work hopping between polling stations guessing at the names of people who definitely weren't going to bother to vote.

dzug1

savetilibleed wrote: »

I absolutely agree - it is mad how easy you could vote, claiming to be someone else. I wonder what would happen if the real person turned up later

.

He would be refused a vote.

If he got really stroppy he would be issued a thing called a 'tendered ballot paper'. It is handed separately to the presiding officer and is not included in the count.

In a really close election it might provide evidence to rerun the poll - particularly if there were a lot of them.

I've never actually known one issued.

In reality I suspect that the presiding officer might decide that the previous marking off was a mistake and give the person a ballot paper - 100% against the rules though.

dzug1

usenetz wrote: »

When I went to vote I gave them an address, (my address by chance ;-), and they told me who was left to vote for that address, (my partner had already voted); "That's me" said I, "OK, here you go", said they, handing me a ballot paper.

Easy Peasey!

Totally against the rules - they are not supposed to tell you who has voted already, and you should tell them who you are

lexilex

I voted for the first time today, took driving licence with me, couldn't believe ID wasn't needed.

My sisters card is here, she lives away at Uni, I could quite easily use her vote if I wanted to.

Bit of a joke really.