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<p>While it is possible to register to vote without a National Insurance number, the
IER Digital Service uses National Insurance numbers provided by electoral registration
applicants to establish identity quickly and easily (applications are processed overnight).
This in turn allows Electoral Registration Officers to complete the processing of
applications as efficiently as possible. This is especially important in the run up
to electoral events.</p><p>The operation of the Digital Service shows that making
use of National Insurance numbers in this way is effective. Of the 31,407,478 total
applications received between 9 June 2014 and 19 February 2018 (the latest period
for which we hold data), only 446,277 or 1.4 per cent were unverifiable. Unverifiable
applications are those where an applicant has not provided all of the information
necessary to verify their identity. This category therefore includes all those applications
received without a National Insurance number. This means that at least 98.5 per cent
of those people making an application through the Digital Service have been able to
provide a National Insurance number.</p><p>The small number of applicants who cannot
provide a National Insurance number are still able to apply to register to vote. Applications
without a National Insurance number are processed by the Digital Service and then
passed to the local electoral administration team. The team will contact the applicant
to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence. There is also
an attestation process for people who cannot provide such alternative forms of ID.</p><p>
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