What's happened
As local elections approach on May 1, voters in England must secure acceptable photo ID or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by the April 30 deadline. Meanwhile, early voting begins in Australia for the federal election on May 3, with a significant number of voters expected to participate.
What's behind the headline?
Voter ID Requirements in England
- The introduction of photo ID has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for younger and older voters.
- Only 9% of recent Voter Authority Certificate applications came from those under 25, indicating potential disenfranchisement.
Early Voting Trends in Australia
- With nearly 50% of Australians voting early in the last election, the trend is expected to continue, reflecting a shift in voter behavior.
- The Australian Electoral Commission anticipates that a third of voters will opt for early voting this year, highlighting the growing preference for convenience in the electoral process.
What the papers say
According to Ian Jones from The Independent, voters in England must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5 PM on April 30 to participate in the May 1 elections. The article emphasizes the importance of having an accepted form of photo ID, which includes passports and driving licenses. In contrast, Ben Westcott from The Japan Times notes that early voting is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with Labor maintaining a lead over the opposition ahead of the May 3 federal election. This reflects a broader trend of voter engagement and accessibility in both countries.
How we got here
New photo ID requirements were introduced in England as part of the Elections Act 2022, first enforced in 2023. In Australia, early voting has gained popularity, with a record number of registered voters for the upcoming federal election.
Go deeper
- What forms of ID are accepted for voting?
- How can I apply for a postal vote in Australia?
- What are the implications of the new voter ID laws?
More on these topics
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The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the independent statutory agency of the Australian Government responsible for the management and oversight of Australian federal elections, plebiscites, referendums and some trade union elections.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.