The Voter ID Experiment: Reform or the continuation of a Queensland tradition?

In 2014 the Queensland LNP government introduced a new requirement, that voters must produce identification on polling day. Voter identification was required for two elections: a by-election in 2014, and a state election in 2015. Empirical evidence indicates that voter ID had a negative impact on voter turnout -- particularly among indigenous and rural electorates. While the impact of voter ID needs further analysis, the initial research echoes international findings that voter ID is a method used by governments to suppress certain voter demographics from casting a ballot. This article argues that voter ID has serious implications for democratic principles, is at odds with Australia's compulsory voting system, and does not adequately address instances of voter fraud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]