Elections watchdog says council contests were 'well run' as voters face new ... trends now
The elections watchdog tonight said council contests across England were 'well run' as voters faced new photo identification rules for the first time.
As polls closed in elections for around 8,000 seats in 230 councils, the Electoral Commission said it had already begun work on analysing the impact of the law change.
It admitted 'some people were regrettably unable to vote' due to the ID requirement, but added its initial assessment was of an orderly set of local elections.
Yet campaigners opposed to the new rules slammed a 'dark day for democracy' and claimed 'many thousands' of would-be voters were refused entry to polling stations.
There were a number of reports of people being turned away as they arrived to cast their ballot throughout Thursday.
One voter made light of the row by making her dog Ruby her own photo ID.
Thursday's local elections were the first time it had been compulsory for all voters in England to show photo identification at polling stations
People were required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge
There were a number of reports of confusion over the new ID rules at polling stations across the country
Annette Hill, from Weston-super-Mare, made light of the row by making her dog Ruby her own photo ID, complete with name, photo, and an 'authorised signature' of a paw print
Thursday's local elections were the first time it had been compulsory for all voters in England to show photo identification at polling stations, with regional pilots having previously been held.
There were reports of confusion at ballot stations over the new ID rules, with the Liberal Democrats complaining that the numbers were 'significant'.
Some said they turned up to vote with photo ID only to be told it was the wrong type - while others claimed 'greeters' were asking for identification and turning people away outside, meaning that records would not be kept.
People were required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge.
Other forms of identity that were being accepted include biometric residence permits, defence identity cards, and national identity cards issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
Supporters say it is normal to show ID before voting in much of the rest of the world, and the move protects the integrity of the process.
Electoral Commission research found that around 96% of people already have an eligible photo ID.
But critics argue the rule could deter young people and those from poorer communities from voting.
There have been questions raised about why bus and travel passes for older and disabled people are being accepted as photo IDs, but that young people's travel cards will not be permitted.
An Electoral Commission spokesman said tonight: 'Our initial assessment is that overall, the elections were well run.
'Across the country, votes were cast throughout the day and in line with the law.
'This is in large part thanks to the dedication of electoral administrators, who have worked
