Boris Johnson barred from voting under his own voter ID rules

The ex-Prime Minister ultimately voted, but his mistake brought attention to the problem of people being unable to vote due to the new mandatory identification rules.

As the prime minister, Boris Johnson put forth the Elections Act in 2022.

Boris Johnson was denied entry into a polling booth when he attempted to vote on Thursday because he did not have the necessary identification, which is a condition he implemented while serving as prime minister.

According to Sky News, Johnson tried to cast a vote in South Oxfordshire for the police and crime commissioner election. However, he was initially denied the opportunity because he did not have the correct form of identification with him.

A representative who was reached out to by POLITICO did not confirm that Johnson was rejected during his initial attempt, but did reveal that he was eventually able to successfully vote.

As the prime minister back in 2022, Johnson put forward the Elections Act which mandates that voters need to present a photo ID before they can vote.

Advocacy groups and the official election watchdog in the U.K., known as the Electoral Commission, received backlash for the rules that were proposed. They argued that the regulations could hinder a significant number of citizens from casting their vote in the next general election.

According to the watchdog, individuals who fall into the categories of being poor, from minority ethnic backgrounds, and disabled are more prone to such circumstances. Additionally, there is a lesser possibility of them supporting Johnson's Conservative Party.

It is anticipated that the regulations will persist for the upcoming general election in the United Kingdom, which is projected to take place later this year. As per the Electoral Commission, it is highly probable that this legislation will have a more significant impact on the exclusion of voters during a general election.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a supporter of Brexit like Johnson, revealed in 2023 that the limitations were intended to manipulate future elections for the Conservative party. He acknowledged that this scheme ultimately failed because the elderly, who tend to vote Conservative, were less informed about the new regulations.

He stated that the individuals who lacked identification were mostly seniors and that this group primarily voted for the Conservative Party. Consequently, we made the voting process arduous for our supporters and disrupted an efficient system.

Although Johnson is advocating for an increase in pension age, he cannot deny he is aware of the modifications.