CUMBRIA'S politicians shared their thoughts on new requirements for voters to show ID to vote in elections.

From May, voters will need to show ID before they can vote.

Julie Minns, Labour's candidate for Carlisle at the next general election, said the scheme is to prevent marginal groups exercising their right to vote. 

Conservative MPs for Workington, Mark Jenkinson, and Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and the Border, supported the policy.

READ MORE: Cumbria's politicians weigh in on controversial voter ID policy

Cllr Hudson said: "Voters must have confidence that our elections are fit for purpose and this measure, alongside others, set out in the Elections Act, ensures the UK remains a bastion of democracy with a strong and secure electoral system."

Here's how our readers responded.

Peter Gnarly Blakemore said the policy is 'a travesty and an abomination', while Tim Knowles added: "It's nonsense, tackling a non-existant problem to try and deny the young, poor and disadvantaged the right to vote."

Neil Birkett said: "I've got no ID so won't be voting like a lot of people, Torys stopping us voting."

Helen Majewski replied: "I'm exactly the same, never had a driving licence never been abroad so no passport, it's hard trying to prove who I am and I have my birth certificate but it's in my maiden name for people like us it's a no win situation."

Caroline Jane said: "Of course you should require ID to vote. You need it for much less important things. Currently you don’t even have to take your voting card. Anyone could turn up."