Brixton Brewery is stepping in with its YES, WE CANS campaign after new research showed one in 10 British people do not have a photo ID, and nearly two million (20%) Londoners are unsure of the new regulations. Over 30% of Brits are not sure or disagree with the new rules of needing photo ID, despite it potentially being here to stay.
The survey of 2,000 people, carried out by 3gem, also revealed that over a quarter of people are not confident about where to either obtain or update their photo ID, with over 20% of Gen Z saying they do not know where their photo ID is! Over 67% of Gen Z would be more likely to vote if they had a valid photo ID.
From 4th May 2023, voters will need to show valid photo identification at polling stations to vote. Figures highlight that 11 million people in the UK do not have a passport or a driving licence at all, with just under 20% admitting to being unsure on the new voting regulations.
The lack of photo ID is particularly prominent in groups including ethnic minorities, homeless people, LGBTQ+ communities and immigrants. The government’s own data shows that white people are most likely to hold one form of photo ID – 76% hold a full driving licence. But 38% of Asian people, nearly a third of people of mixed ethnicity (31%), and nearly half of Black people (48%) do not! 25% of Black and Asian Britons were not registered to vote compared to the national average of 17%. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of trans respondents and almost one in five non-binary respondents said they did not have photo ID.
Co-founder of Brixton Brewery Xochitl Benjamin said: “We believe every voter matters and every vote counts! No vote is no voice and the new regulations must be more clearly communicated because our research shows people simply aren’t aware of the changes around photo ID. In the spirit of everything that makes Brixton unique, we’re stepping in to raise awareness. We want to help empower not just our local community in Brixton, but everyone, so that we’re all armed with the right information and tools to make our voices heard. It’s never been more important than now. And where’s better to have a lively political debate than over a pint at the pub?”
