Dozens turned away in Bath & North East Somerset because of voter ID rules in local elections
99.8% of people who turned up to vote in B&NES Council elections showed their voter ID and were able to vote
Last updated 15th Jun 2024
Nearly 150 people were turned away at polling stations last week in the Bath and North East Somerset Council area after changes in legislation meant voters had to show an approved form of identification before being handed a ballot paper.
They say - of the 141 who arrived without the right ID - 56 didn't come back with the right documents.
8\5 later returned with 'acceptable' ID and so were able to vote.
Out of the data, B&NES Council say 99.8% of electors who voted did show up with their photo ID and so were able to vote during the local elections on May 4.
112,492 people were eligible to vote in person at the polling stations and 34,841 votes were cast - bringing the overall voter turnout to 38.95%.
That's slightly down on the local elections in 2019, which saw a turnout of 40.76%.
In the run up to the election, the council ran a campaign to promote the new requirement for photo ID, and also worked with local organisations including RNIB, Age UK BANES, Julian House, Southside and Curo to raise awareness.
A voter ID leaflet was also included with this year’s council tax bills and with the poll cards issued to voters due to vote in person at the polling station.
Will Godfrey, Returning Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “The council provided information through our own channels and ran an extensive campaign to let residents know about the new photo ID requirements and we are grateful to all the local organisations who helped us to get the message out.
"Thank you to everyone who helped at the polling stations on the day and helped everything to run smoothly.”
The election for Paulton ward, which was rearranged following the death of a candidate, will take place on Thursday 22 June.
Full Council data for the local elections can be found here.