Millions of people will be denied their right to vote if the Government presses ahead with its mandatory voter ID plans, according to a warning from campaigners.

As voters in 10 council areas were required to bring ID to polling stations at yesterday's local elections as part of a pilot scheme, the coalition of charities, civil society figures and campaign groups argued that older and young people, disabled people and the homeless will be disproportionately affected if the scheme is rolled out nationally.

Chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society pressure group, Darren Hughes, said: ‘These voter ID plans – if rolled out nationally - could pull up the drawbridge for millions of voters, including many already on the margins.

‘Millions lack photographic ID, meaning the scheme could lock out both older voters, young voters and those whose current ID does not match their gender.'

Sarah Pickard, a senior lecturer and researcher, said: ‘Those from marginalised backgrounds will be locked out from their democratic right to vote when politicians should be enabling and encouraging them.'