Voter ID rule change announced after some turned away from elections

The government has announced a change to the rules on using ID at elections after some voters were tuned away from polling stations.

The list of acceptable forms of ID will be changed to include the Veterans' ID card, minister have announced.

The new voting law was introduced by the previous Conservative government and has been tested at local elections and this summer’s general election. Under the rules, voters have to present an acceptable form of ID to be able to cast their ballot.

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However, some veterans have found themselves unable to cast their vote because their ex-forces ID cards were not included in the list of acceptable forms of ID.

Acceptable forms of ID already include passports, driving licences, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (Pass) cards, Blue Badges and some concessionary travel cards. Veterans' ID cards will now be added to the list for any upcoming elections.

Alex Norris, a communities minister with responsibility for elections, said: "No veteran should be turned away from the polling station while trying to use their veteran card as voter ID. They are an incredible community who have dedicated their lives to this country, and it is wrong that the exclusion of this card has been a barrier to their ability to vote."

Al Carns, the veterans minister, said: "Veterans’ cards are a tangible symbol of the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made to defend our nation and it is only right that the Government gives these cards the recognition they deserve. We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with all those who serve and have served, and this is an important step to making this important community feel supported when voting."

The news was welcomed by the Royal British Legion, which said veterans had "found it frustrating that they were unable to use their Armed Forces Veteran Card as voter identification".

Mark Atkinson, director general of the charity, added: "It is vital that the voice of the Armed Forces community is heard at every election, now that voter ID is required to vote in elections in the UK, this change will make it easier for those who have served to cast their vote."

The government is also undertaking a wider review of the voter ID policy, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.