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Highlights
- The Australian government has proposed to introduce voter identification legislation ahead of federal elections in 2022.
- Voter integrity bill, if passed, would mandate Australians to show photo or non-photo identification proof to cast their vote.
- The bill, which was tabled in the parliament on 28 October, aims to clamp down on alleged voter fraud.
- The opposition has stated that the bill would decrease public confidence in the polling practice.
The Australian government led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison has proposed to introduce voter identification legislation ahead of federal elections in 2022, citing it as a measure against alleged voter fraud. While the government says the measure would strengthen electoral system, the opposition is calling it as a step wide of the mark that would decrease public confidence in the polling practice.
Today, in this article, we will have a closer look at the proposed voter ID law to develop a better understanding about its role in Australia’s electoral arrangement.
What is voter integrity bill?
As per the conventional norms, voters check their name and address in the list available at the polling station on the polling day and cast the vote. However, voter integrity bill, if passed, would mandate Australians to show photo or non-photo identification proof to cast their vote.
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In case an individual fails to produce his or her ID before the authorities at the time of polling, he or she can get another registered voter to cast a declaration vote for them after submitting their essential details.
Reportedly, photo ID cards such as proof-of-age cards, passports, drivers’ licences, student cards, as well as government-issued documents including Medicare and pensioners cards, and recent documents from banks and utility companies would be some of the acceptable forms of identification.
The bill was tabled in the parliament on 28 October.
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Why is the electoral reform being criticised?
The notion of voter integrity has not been received warmly by all. The legislation is being criticised for its probable power to disenfranchise vulnerable groups as well as indigenous Australians in remote areas who are homeless and without any identification proof.
Also, there are concerns that introduction of such a norm would lead to lower voter turnout as it would prevent people without IDs to step out to cast their vote. It would give rise to a perception that they cannot vote without ID. Not everyone puts extra effort and explores the alternative solution.
However, the government has ensured that the bill has been drafted with the intent to keep out invalid votes. It has also expressed that the legislation won’t raise any problem for eligible voters.
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