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Clinically vulnerable people who still wear face masks because of Covid are effectively barred from participating in next week’s local elections due to new rules on voter ID.
Voters wearing face coverings will be asked to remove their masks at polling places on May 4 so staff can identify them.
But campaigners say hundreds of thousands of people wearing face masks are at risk, issuing exemptions to allow clinically vulnerable people to check IDs outdoors. I requested the government to do so.
The Electoral Commission said they would only need to temporarily remove their face coverings for checks by polling station staff.
However, the committee noted in an email to clinically vulnerable family groups that its equal impact assessment includes how other people with immunocompromised or serious health conditions may be affected by the new rule. It has been clarified that there is or is not included.
Critics have called on the government to suspend voter ID rules because it risks preventing many people without the correct photo ID from voting.
People wearing face coverings for religious reasons must also remove their masks at polling places. However, the Election Commission has issued guidance that a female voting agent may be requested to verify identity.
Lara Wong, founder of Clinically Vulnerable Families, said: Polling places should implement measures to allow staff to wear masks, be tested for Covid, maintain distancing, have adequate ventilation in buildings, and conduct safe ID checks outdoors. Recommended.
“Current equal impact assessments do not consider the needs of clinically vulnerable people who remain at high risk of serious consequences from infection in a post-COVID-19 world. We believe it is essential that vulnerable people are recognized under the Equality Act.
“It is critical that governments take our concerns seriously, protect the right of vulnerable individuals to vote in a safe environment, and make necessary and urgent adjustments to ensure safe voting for all. .”
The Election Commission said: looks like you Face coverings can be worn for the rest of the voting process. “