MORE than 100 people in Dudley borough’s Parliamentary constituencies did not return to vote in the general election after being turned away at polling stations, figures show.

Voters have needed to show photo ID to vote in UK parliamentary elections, local elections and referendums in England since May 2023.

The move has proved controversial, with some groups saying it may make voting harder for younger people and ethnic minorities, who are less likely to have a valid form of photo ID.

Figures from the Electoral Commission show 86 voters were initially turned away from polling stations in Stourbridge due to ID rules in the general election in July. While 57 of these returned to vote, 29 did not.

In Dudley, 101 voters were initially turned away from voting, and of these 79 returned and 22 did not.

ID rules saw 98 voters turned away from polling stations in Halesowen in the general election, 53 of whom returned to vote, while 45 did not.

In Kingswinford and South Staffordshire 82 voters were initially turned away from polling stations during the general election - 59 of these returned to vote, 23 did not.

In total, 29,225 people voted at 55 polling stations in Stourbridge; 27,088 people voted at 59 locations in Dudley; 29,187 people voted at 53 polling stations in Halesowen; and 34,181 people voted at 62 locations in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire.

In total 119 people turned away from the four constituencies did not return to cast their vote.

Across Great Britain 50,000 people were initially turned away due to not having valid ID, with 16,000 people not returning to vote.

Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said: "This was the first time all voters across the UK were required to show photographic ID at a general election, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully.

"However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting – and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say."

Polling for the organisation suggests 71 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds are aware of the rules, compared to 91 per cent for those aged 45 and over.

In addition, 76 per cent of people from ethnic minority communities were aware of the rules compared to 90 per cent of white people.

Mr Rangarajan added: "Public awareness of the need for voter ID is high across the UK, but there are still groups of voters that are less likely to be aware of the need to show ID or that do not have an accepted form.

"Everyone eligible should have the opportunity to vote, which is why we are recommending changes that will support those who do not currently have ID and improve the accessibility of elections, while maintaining the security of the process."

The Labour party's election manifesto committed to "addressing the inconsistencies in voter ID rules that prevent legitimate voters from voting".

The Electoral Commission has called for the Government to review whether a larger number of ID documents could be valid for use in elections – such as the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card and the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, in addition to the Veteran Card.