Tory MP who requested for assist after shedding ID earlier than voting explains what occurred
A Tory MP who messaged supporters for help because he couldn’t find the ID he needed to vote has explained what happened.
Tom Hunt, who has dyspraxia, told The Mirror that one symptom of the condition is that he loses things from time-to-time. He urged opponents to think carefully about making fun of the incident, which did not stop him from voting.
Mr Hunt, who represents Ipswich, sent a message last night which has been widely shared on social media. In it he said: “Bit of drama. Turns out I have no appropriate id to vote tomorrow.” In a follow-up message he asked for help arranging an emergency proxy vote – which he was able to secure.
He told The Mirror he was surprised the message became public. Speaking shortly before he voted, Mr Hunt said: “I can’t find my ID so I’m getting an emergency proxy vote. It’s good to see the system works.”
The MP continued: “I’m a dyspraxic member of Parliament. If you look up dyspraxia as a disability one of the top characteristics is unfortunately we just tend to lose things from time-to-time. And I think when you’re a member of Parliament and you’ve got a complicated life split between two places it makes it challenging.”
After the message was shared Ipswich Labour wrote: “Don’t be like Tom Hunt. Photo ID is required to vote in person today. Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm.”
Mr Hunt urged opponents to be “extremely careful” about targeting him over the incident. He said: “I’m neurodiverse, I’m dyspraxic, so they want to victimise me, they want to attack me, abuse me.”
He continued: “I’m not going to abdicate responsibility for losing things and say it’s all because of my dyspraxia. But if you if you understand dyspraxia and know how it affects people in day-to-day life, it is it is a contributing factor. So if I was them I’d be incredibly careful.”
He said he didn’t believe there was any malice in the message being shared. Mr Hunt said he hadn’t been aware that emergency proxies could be sorted on the day of a vote for people in his situation.
He stated: “It’s good that people like me don’t lose their democratic right.” He said he still thinks the Government was right to bring in voter ID measures, stating: “I think it’s absolutely the right thing to do. And I think if anything, my experience today shows that there is a process in place that enables you to still vote.”
What is an emergency proxy vote?
Emergency proxy applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.
Circumstances where you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy include:
If you need to apply for an emergency proxy or to find out more information, contact the electoral services team at your local council.
What ID do you need to bring?
Only certain kinds of ID will be accepted at polling stations. Voters without the correct ID will be turned away. You can use a passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country – including an Irish Passport Card. Driving licences and provisional driving licences are also accepted as well as a Blue Badge.
Alternatively you can show an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram, a biometric immigration document, Ministry of Defence Form 90, national identity card issued by an EEA state, Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland, Voter Authority Certificate, or an anonymous Elector’s Document.
Local travel cards including bus passes and Oyster cards will also be accepted. All forms of local travel ID which will be accepted include:
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
- Freedom Pass
- Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
- 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
