The electoral registration system is ‘neither effective nor efficient’ and is disenfranchising millions, MPs have warned.
A report by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee estimated that up to eight million people face being disenfranchised by the ‘Victorian era’ electoral system and voter ID reforms.
The report found young people, renters, ethnic minorities and those in lower socio-economic groups were ‘significantly less likely to be registered to vote’.
It said the list of photo IDs accepted at polls was too limited and discouraged eligible voters.
Committee chair Clive Betts said: ‘Our voter registration system is creaking.
'Recent changes such as voter ID have been tacked onto a Victorian-era system that is failing voters, political parties and election officials.
‘We need a major review of our election arrangements to boost voter registration and to ensure our elections are seen as credible and legitimate.
'It is a major and fundamental defect in our democratic system that many millions of UK citizens face being unable to make their voice heard at election time.’
