Devendra Kumar
Boris Johnson, the former UK prime minister, has publicly expressed gratitude to three villagers who refused to allow him to vote without proper identification at a polling station on Thursday. According to Johnson, he attempted to use a copy of Prospect magazine as a form of identification, but the local electorate officials were not convinced. Johnson recalled that he showed the magazine to the officials, who looked skeptical, and within minutes, he returned with his driving licence and cast his vote for the Conservative party.
Johnson’s attempt to use the magazine as ID is ironic, given that he introduced the requirement for photo identification at polling stations during his time in Downing Street. The Elections Act 2022, which he championed, came into effect last year, and Thursday’s election was the first time many voters in England and Wales had to present ID to vote.
The acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (Pass) cards, Blue Badges, and some concessionary travel cards. It’s unclear why Johnson chose to use a magazine instead of one of the accepted forms of identification, but his experience highlights the importance of being prepared and carrying the necessary documents to the polling station.
The villagers, who remain unnamed, were praised by Johnson for doing their job correctly and ensuring that only eligible voters cast their ballots. Their actions were a reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. By refusing to accept Johnson’s unconventional ID, the villagers demonstrated their commitment to following the rules and maintaining the credibility of democratic institutions.
Johnson’s account of the incident is a humorous example of the kind of situations that can arise when new laws are introduced. Despite being turned away, Johnson was able to return with the necessary identification and cast his vote, highlighting the ease with which the system can be navigated. However, the incident also underscores the need for voters to be aware of the new requirements and to carry the necessary documents with them to the polls.
Ultimately, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of civic responsibility and the importance of following the rules. The villagers who turned Johnson away did their job correctly, and Johnson, for his part, learned a valuable lesson about being prepared for future elections.