I'm genuinely puzzled by the idea that mandatory voter IDs necessarily mean voter suppression. Are voters really suppressed in all those European (not just EU) countries where IDs are mandatory? If they are, why do I not hear or read about widespread protest?
https://bylinetimes.com/2022/11/07/voter-id-its-far-worse-than-any-us-state/
No but in all the states that I know of where voter ID is mandatory, governments issue ID cards to every citizen so it is no problem in such places.
@Paulos_the_fog So what is the problem with issuing ID cards to anyone who wants one in the UK? If someone doesn't want one, and doesn't want to vote, that's up to them.
@Paulos_the_fog Would also be useful on other occasions, eg. where one has to produce a utilities bill as proof.
Actually, I am 100% in favour if ID cards being issued but only if it is done properly; i.e. that it is mandatory for every single citizen and legitimate resident, free of charge and is backed by a database containing a wealth of information about the holder thus it can act as a driving licence, as proof of one's status within the healthcare system (entitled to free treatment or not) as proof of one's immigration status and a host of other useful data can be stored in it.
However, if it is done in the half-cocked, brain dead manner that most tory policy is implemented then it's just another waste of time and money down the drain (into tory chums pockets)
