We Think

Most voters support Photo ID to tackle election fraud, new poll reveals

Apr. 15

‘24

By: Mike Underwood

Topics:

More than two thirds of voters say requiring photographic identification in order to vote is “fair”, a new WeThink poll has revealed.

Pollsters asked voters if they thought it was fair to make people carry photo ID in order to vote with 68% saying it was, up by six points since they last asked the question in May 2023.

Only 21% said it was unfair, down by six points, while 10% said they didn’t know.

However, when asked if it is fair or unfair that 60+ travel cards (such as Oyster 60+ cards / Older Person's Bus Pass) are acceptable forms of voter ID but a Young Person’s railcard is not, voters were less favourable.

Unfair

Fair

Don't know

The poll revealed that people felt local authorities had done a good job of letting people know about the new photo ID requirement, with 77% said they were aware of the new rules against 17% who said they were not aware and 6% who were not sure.

When asked if people had received any communication from their local authorities about the new requirement, 45% said they had (up from just 16% when asked in May 2023). But 45% said they had not (down from 79%) while 10% said they didn’t know.

ON NHS WAITING TIMES NEWS

As new data revealed key targets on waiting lists and waiting times in A&E have been missed, WeThink checked the pulse of Britain on whether private healthcare was the answer.

Regardless of whether or not you have used it in the last 12 months, do you have access to private healthcare?

74% no
13% yes – through a personal policy
13% yes – through a work policy

If you don’t have access to a private healthcare policy through work, would you take one up personally and what would be your most important reason?

45% no – I can’t afford it
30% yes – because of the poor state of the NHS
18% yes – because I’ve got used to it
6% no – I don’t think private care is value for money

ON A PROPOSED SMARTPHONE BAN FOR KIDS

Ministers this week announced they are considering banning the sale of smartphones to children under the age of 16. Would Brits back the ban?

45% yes
41% no
14% don’t know

ON THE RETURN OF JEREMY CORBYN

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is rumoured to be mulling whether or not to launch a new left-wing political party. We asked people if they would consider voting for it... the answer was fairly resounding.