Almost 200 people were turned away from polling stations in the town last week for not bringing identification - and 121 did not come back.

Watford Borough Council took part in a voter ID pilot at last week's local elections for the second year coming, in which voters were required to bring polling cards or photographic ID.

Figures released on the day suggest 185 people were turned away, and only 64 came back. Watford Borough Council says these figures have not yet been checked.

In last year's initial trial, 42 people were known not to have voted because they did not have ID.

Watford Labour Party chairman Mike Jackson said one lady in north Watford did not go to a polling station as she had lost her polling card and does not own photographic ID.

He said the government trial was creating obstacles rather than removing them.

Last year voters were able to bring a credit card as ID, but this year it was narrowed to poll card or photographic ID such as a driving licence.

Dr Jess Garland, Director of Policy and Research at the Electoral Reform Society, said: “Forcing all voters to show their papers at the polling station is a solution looking for a problem. Across the UK there were just eight allegations of ‘personation’ last year – the type of fraud voter ID is supposed to target.

"These proposed changes to voter ID laws risk further dividing our democracy. Ministers should scrap this costly policy before wasting any more time on this dangerous distraction."

Watford Borough Council have confirmed that voter ID will not be required for the European Elections later this month.