Should shotgun and firearm certificates be on the accepted list of photo IDs for elections?
- Thread starter Conor O'Gorman
- Start date
fixedwheel
Well-Known Member
Good guide to the security features of the FAC / SGC forms -interesting - just tested mine and it doesn't do that
maybe my printer/scanner isn't quite as powerful as a proper photocopier to trigger it
thanks for sharing - I wonder how many front line staff have been trained to look for these ?
Some cert holders think it should be, as per feedback from BASC members, and on here, and it's possible that it will.
The feedback from this forum and PW, and directly to BASC during elections since last year, is that some people sometimes only have a cert as photo ID (either because they are out and about on the day and popping into the polling station and that's what they had in the glove compartment etc, or literally have no other photo ID for whatever reason) and indeed some others would like to use their cert as a matter of principle.
Poll clerks are trained on the various photo IDs that are acceptable and if certs were added to that list then they would be aware of their validity.
Something that has not been mentioned on the forum but was in the article in the OP is that having shotgun and firearms certificates on the accepted photo ID list that is sent to every voter with their poll card ahead of every election helps normalise recreational shooting.
In Italy, a firearms licence is sixth on the list of photo IDs for elections.
What are the identity documents recognized at the polling station? - European Parliament elections of 8 and 9 June 2024 - Municipality of Milan
Poll clerks are trained on the various photo IDs that are acceptable and if certs were added to that list then they would be aware of their validity.
Something that has not been mentioned on the forum but was in the article in the OP is that having shotgun and firearms certificates on the accepted photo ID list that is sent to every voter with their poll card ahead of every election helps normalise recreational shooting.
In Italy, a firearms licence is sixth on the list of photo IDs for elections.
What are the identity documents recognized at the polling station? - European Parliament elections of 8 and 9 June 2024 - Municipality of Milan
Why would they be bemused?If the law was changed, I would make a point of using my FAC as ID at every election going forwards - if, for nothing else, to see the look of bemusement on the faces of the polling station staff
It's just photo ID, same as any other. Provided the document you show is on their list as being acceptable they'll just tick you off the list and move on to the next person. Bored to tears with the whole show, I expect.
In all the years I've used my FAC or SGC for ID, in various situations, no-one has ever reacted in any way to what it is. And it would be extremely unprofessional of them if they did.
Stalker1962
Well-Known Member
dunwater
Well-Known Member
Some of you are, in my opinion, overly concerned about a potential hazard which has virtually zero chance of happening.
If there was a real risk, you can be sure that both the police and the insurance companies would be all over it.
Secondly, the proposal is to add the FAC/SGC to the list of documents which may be used to confirm your identity at a polling station, there is no suggestion to make it mandatory.
If you don’t wish to present your certs, don’t, you’re free to choose something else.
If there was a real risk, you can be sure that both the police and the insurance companies would be all over it.
Secondly, the proposal is to add the FAC/SGC to the list of documents which may be used to confirm your identity at a polling station, there is no suggestion to make it mandatory.
If you don’t wish to present your certs, don’t, you’re free to choose something else.
I did I skydive this year, wasn’t particularly risky.
No , you should not use your FAC as ID to any person unless they are authorised ie Police and your Gun dealer. What you are doing is giving folks your address and the fact you will have them at your property . Ok there are issues with photo with UK DVLC being widely faked but think about it , actually i think its been knocked off many orgs as suitable ID .
Hi MAH.
Yes, my last move was the last time my driving license was changed. Paper license is still perfectly valid. Also,i have never had a point on my license and i passed my test in 1981. Never had so much as a parking ticket either. Had one accident in 1986 and that was not my fault, got rear ended by a Marshalls wagon.
Although according to the Bobby that pulled my Mrs over for a spot check during lock down 'paper licences are no longer valid and you must get a photo one immediately'
I also will just renew my passport if i plan going abroad. Obviously it would not be easy travelling at short notice.
I will concede that some sort of photo id in the modern world is useful. I have been executor on two peoples wills and had to use SGC. That was with a solicitor though so i would hope it is information given to a trustworthy source and kept securely.
When you consider that everyone that works at your Doctors surgery knows we have firearms. Also, everyone in the postal chain from the printers of the BASC magazine right through to my postie who delivers it, also knows there is likely guns at my address. I suppose we can only do our best to keep as low profile as we can.
Ratcatcher
Well-Known Member
Er, I used mineShotgun and firearm certificates cannot currently be used as photo ID to vote in elections but the Electoral Commission has recommended that the government expand the list of accepted documents.
FACs should count as photo ID for voters - ShootingUK
The Elections Act 2022 requires people to show an accepted form of photographic ID to vote in person at polling stations. Voters first experienced the new rules during last year’s local elections in England. Then we had the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in England and Wales in...www.shootinguk.co.uk
but I live in a small village and everyone knows everyoneThanks. You are not the only one. Just underlines the need for an expanded list of photo IDs - or just let it be any photo ID - the argument for introducing photo IDs in Britain was to reduce a tiny risk of voter fraud. Some have said that people having their poll card and some form of photo ID whatever that is, is arguably robust enough to mitigate the risks.Er, I used mine
MAH
Well-Known Member
The Bobby is possibly confused.
If your paper license has the correct address, it's fine.
If it's an old address, not your current one it's invalid.
That's why I asked about moving house.
Google dvla, it will confirm the above.
M
Ratcatcher
Well-Known Member
Or you could wait in the doctor's whilst the receptionist shouts at the top of her voice, " gun licence letter for Mr x" like I did
