AN MS for North Wales has said the introduction of Voter ID for Welsh elections, which he said would make people feel safer at polling stations.

Sam Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government, backed the measure during a Government Debate on Voter ID in the Senedd last week. There are already checks to confirm a vote by post but none at polling stations in Great Britain to prevent someone claiming to be someone else and voting in their name, which makes votes more vulnerable to fraud.

47 countries in Europe already have full voter ID requirements, though there are concerns that it poses a barrier to people who are already less likely to vote, or do not own a driving license or passport.

“The importance of free and fair elections, and my support to ensure that those eligible to vote have the informed ability to do so easily and confidently," Mr Rowlands said.

"Confidence and trust in any Government starts with the vote and the integrity of this vote is a foundation of democracy.

“People need to have complete trust in the process and this is why we should always look to tweak and improve the process."

Mr Rowlands cited the UK Government's 'Securing the ballot' report into electoral fraud in 2016, which found instances of pressure being put on women and young people to vote. In July, the UK Government proposed the requirement of photo ID, with opposition from the Labour Party, which said it was "discriminatory", while the Electoral Commission said the UK already has “low levels of proven electoral fraud”.