NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

1. List the who, what, where and when of the news item.

2. a) For what reason has the majority Conservative Party proposed the legislation?
b) When and by whom was this requirement first recommended for the UK?

3. How did Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office explain the reasons for the proposed voter photo ID requirement?

4. For what reason does the main opposition Labour Party oppose the proposed requirement?

5. a) When and why were voter ID requirements implemented in Northern Ireland? - How long has photo ID been required there?
b) What did a briefing paper for the House of Commons conclude about the voter ID requirements in Northern Ireland?

6. What recommendation did the UK’s Electoral Commission make for voter ID?

7. The ACLU and other U.S. progressive (liberal) civil rights groups said the requirement for voter ID “amount to Republican-style voter suppression and are likely to erode faith in the democratic process.”

In March 2021, Rasmussen Reports released a poll showing that 75 percent of Americans support voter ID laws, including 60 percent of Democrats and 89 percent of Republicans. In addition, 74 percent of whites, 69 percent of blacks, and 82 percent of other minorities said they were in support of requiring voter ID.

Many other countries require some form of ID to vote. For example: Canada requires voter ID. Mexico’s “Credencial para Votar” has a hologram, a photo, and other information embedded in it, and it is impossible to effectively tamper with. Confidence in the integrity of elections has soared since its introduction in the 1990s.

What do you think: does requiring voters to show proof that they are who they say they are ensure the integrity of elections (one person one vote) or does it suppress voters (prevent them from voting)?

8. Watch the videos. What is your reaction to the people answering questions about ID?