Don’t lose your vote: Liberal Democrats warn that new Conservative laws may prevent people in Oldham Borough from voting in the General Election
Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has warned that new Conservative laws may prevent people in Oldham from voting in the upcoming General Election.
Councillor Sykes said, “This is the first General Election since the Conservatives changed the law. You now need to show a form of photo ID before you will be allowed to vote in the polling station. Don’t lose out on your right to vote. If you don’t have a passport or driving license you can apply to the council and they will give you a free form of photo ID to use on the day.”
The Elections Act 2022 means that for the first time, voters are required to provide proof of identification before elections staff will hand over their ballot paper. The rules have been in place since the 2023 local elections, but this is the first General Election since the law change and many will be voting for the first time under these rules.
Councillor Sykes said, “The best way to protect your right to vote is to register for a postal vote. It’s much easier and it means you can get it all sorted before polling day. It also means if you have family issues, holiday, work or illness you will not lose your right to vote.”
The deadline to register for a postal vote ahead of the General Election is Wednesday 19th June. You can register to vote by post by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on voter ID laws
Voter ID – ensure you can vote – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)