Monitoring Voter ID Legislation
In a significant breakthrough for political science and electoral studies, researcher Tom Barton at the University of London has compiled a dataset tracking voter identification laws in 246 jurisdictions worldwide. This extensive dataset provides valuable insights into the specifics of voter identification laws, the process of voter registration, and the requirements for identification presentation in each of these jurisdictions.
The dataset, however, is not directly accessible through the available search results. A 2025 publication by Tom Barton, titled “Understanding the impact of the 2018 voter ID pilots on turnout at the London local elections,” references this dataset and suggests that it may be accessible through academic or governmental sources linked to the University of London or The Constitution Society (consoc.org.uk).
To obtain the dataset, potential users could visit Tom Barton's profile or research page on the University of London website or contact his academic department directly. Alternatively, they could check the supplementary materials or data sharing sections associated with his 2025 publications, including the PDF from The Constitution Society linked in the referenced publication. Additionally, searching academic databases or data archives specializing in political science or electoral studies where such datasets are commonly deposited could yield results.
The dataset covers 246 different locations worldwide, providing a comprehensive view of voter identification laws across the globe. It notes whether each jurisdiction has compulsory identification cards or voting, and details the requirements for identification type and presentation in each jurisdiction. Furthermore, it includes data on the voter registration process in each of the 246 jurisdictions.
The image associated with this article is credited to Flickr user Ted Eytan.
The dataset, compiled by Tom Barton at the University of London, offers invaluable research opportunities for scholars and policymakers in the fields of political science, election studies, and general news, focusing on voter identification laws across 246 jurisdictions worldwide. To access the dataset, potential users can visit Tom Barton's profile on the University of London website, check the supplementary materials or data sharing sections of his 2025 publications, or search academic databases specializing in political science or electoral studies.
