In a few weeks’ time, elections will be held across the UK. For the first time it will be mandatory to have a photo ID for voting in England.  This means the 4 May 2023 if you do not have a photo ID, you will not be allowed to exercise your rights to vote.

For the rest of the UK, as of October this year, it will also be compulsory for anyone wanting to vote in the general election.

The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy. Lots of  people died for us to have this basic right and if we want to have a say in how we’re treated or how our lives are impacted by our local councillors, we must vote.

Don’t lose your opportunity because you failed to meet all the requirements, like registering to vote, and now for all of us in England, having a photo ID.

Getting a photo ID is FREE.  Click here to find out how to apply for your FREE voter ID document.

I’ve observed that many people who use our Foodbank do not have any form of ID, and whilst many may not feel having a photo ID in order to vote is important or necessary, given many will not be eligible to vote in this country, it occurred to me that there may be many people in our congregation who may not have any form of photo ID but who value their right to vote.

There are endless places in the Bible where we are commanded to feed the hungry, help those in need for as it says in Galatians 6 ” … let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Likewise the Bible also encourages us to participate in how we are governed.  “If we do not participate in politics our freedoms will be taken away from us.” In principle, our freedoms can only be limited, not eliminated (Proverbs 21:1; Matthew 16:18).

Sadly, despite an extensive TV advertising campaign by the government, I believe it’s still not universally known that within a few weeks it will be crunch time, and if you want to exercise this fundamental right which is enshrined in our constitution, of being able to vote, you will need to have an accepted form of photo ID.

Now, I know for many you will have either a passport, photo driving licence, or other forms of photograph ID including 60+ Oyster card or Freedom Pass, but if there are anyone without any form of photograph IDs, likely to be the younger members of our congregation, encourage them to secure their FREE voter ID.

Do not delay, there are only weeks to go before the May elections.

 

 

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