Southwark Travellers Action Group – STAG Voter ID Awareness 

By GLA Democratic Participation Grants Team | 24th September 2024

A group of people sitting across two tables engaged in a floral arrangement activity.

Southwark Travellers Action Group (STAG) delivered in-person awareness-raising to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Londoners, primarily, but not exclusively, in Southwark. As many community members are digitally excluded, STAG found in-person engagement more effective. Its in-person engagement included outreach at Traveller sites and other appropriate venues; and one-to-one meetings where it would provide direct support to register to vote/apply for photo Voter ID. Furthermore, it developed promotional materials; these were distributed on social media platforms and shared through its newsletters and online bulletins.  

They delivered 22 in-person events attended by almost 420 people, and 5 online events attended by 115 people.

92 percent of participants, engaged via in-person or online events, had an increased awareness of the Voter ID requirement as a result of this project, compared with their previous knowledge
70 percent of respondents reported an increased understanding of the democratic system as a result of this project/ activity

At one of the sessions, one female Irish Traveller who lived on a site in Southwark advised STAG that she was already registered to vote. However, she was not aware about the new requirement for photo voter ID when voting in-person. She had a driving licence – but admitted she would not have known, before this project informed her, to take it to the polling station. She told STAG that she was interested in learning more about the different political parties and their policies, as she had always just voted for one party without knowing much about their attitudes to Travellers. As she was not confident in going online herself, a STAG staff member supported her to use an impartial policy website, listing party policies that most reflect the user’s opinions, and showed her the work of the London Gypsies & Travellers Policy forum. As a result, she stated, “I do know a little more about voting and learned a lot from STAG.” In a follow-up visit, she said, “I’ve told my [five] daughters about needing photo ID to vote and I’m telling them all its important for Travellers to vote this year.” 

STAG has shared further testimonies from project participants: 

“I found it very helpful to understand more of what voting required and how simple it is.” 

“It’s important Travellers are included.”  

“We all need to stand up for our community and vote.” 