7. Debate: Voter Inclusion

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:53 pm on 9 November 2021.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 5:53, 9 November 2021

Thank you, Darren. I'm going to come on to your evidence—which I think is very selective—from the Electoral Commission, and I will continue on.

When I'm door knocking, my aim is to engage people in the democratic process as much as possible. So, trying to persuade people to vote, who perhaps would not normally, when there is an additional requirement, is going to be so much harder. I thank the Welsh Government for not changing our laws in relation to voter ID for elections.

And before I wrap up, I'd like to comment on the Conservative amendment, if I may, Dirprwy Lywydd. The Conservatives have claimed in their amendment today that the introduction of voter ID for elections is somehow backed by the Electoral Commission and several other organisations. So, just to take the Electoral Commission, it is an independent body, which does not take a view on partisan policy issues, and, for all organisations that the Conservatives can name in favour of voter ID laws in the UK, I can name countless more who are against, such as the Electoral Reform Society, Operation Black Vote, Unlock Democracy, openDemocracy and so on.

Finally, I am totally astonished by the cognitive dissonance of some of the Conservative Members on this issue. As we've heard, they claim on the one hand to want to protect liberty, freedom and they warn of a so-called checkpoint society when debating passport issues, but, on this issue, they are pushing for a system that excludes people from engaging in our democratic process—evidence once again that the Conservatives only stand up for liberty and freedom when it's convenient for them to do so. Thank you—diolch yn fawr iawn.