Former PM Boris Johnson Turned Away from Polling Station for Lack of ID

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced an embarrassing moment during the recent elections as he was initially turned away from a polling station in South Oxfordshire for failing to present the required identification.

Johnson, who was attempting to vote in the police and crime commissioner election, found himself unable to cast his ballot due to the photo ID requirement introduced under the Elections Act 2022 which he championed during his time in office.

The new voting rules, which mandate voters to show acceptable photo ID, have sparked controversy and criticism from various advocacy groups and the official election watchdog, the U.K.’s Electoral Commission.

The Electoral Commission raised concerns that the ID requirement could disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups including those from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, and those of lower socioeconomic status, who are less likely to have the specified forms of ID and are also less likely to support Johnson’s Conservative Party.

Despite the initial setback, Johnson eventually returned to the polling station with the necessary ID and successfully cast his vote, as confirmed by a spokesperson.

One of Johnson’s political allies and fellow Brexit supporter, Jacob Rees-Mogg, acknowledged that the ID rules, which were intended to benefit the Conservative Party, ended up inadvertently hindering their own supporters, particularly the elderly demographic who traditionally lean towards the Conservative Party.

While the controversial voter ID requirements are likely to remain in place for future elections, including the upcoming general election expected later this year, concerns persist regarding the potential disenfranchisement of certain segments of the population.