In a surprising turn of events, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was denied the opportunity to vote in the U.K.'s local elections after forgetting to bring his identification. The incident took place at a polling station in South Oxfordshire on Thursday, leading to widespread media coverage.

According to reports, Johnson, who introduced the requirement for voters to provide photo ID during his time in office, was informed by polling station staff that he would not be able to cast his ballot without proving his identity. However, Johnson was later able to rectify the situation and ultimately voted Conservative, as per Sky News.

The introduction of the Elections Act in 2022, which mandated the use of photo ID for voting, marked a significant change to the electoral process in the U.K. Although the law was first implemented during last year's local elections, Thursday's local elections were the first instance where a larger number of voters across England and Wales were required to present acceptable identification such as a passport or driving license.

The Electoral Commission, responsible for overseeing the electoral process, acknowledged that the vast majority of people were able to meet the new requirements. However, they also noted that some individuals who did not possess acceptable ID may have chosen not to attempt to vote. Moreover, the Commission highlighted that certain groups, including disabled individuals and the unemployed, faced additional challenges in providing voter ID.

The incident involving Johnson has sparked debate about the practicality and effectiveness of voter ID requirements. Critics argue that such measures may disproportionately affect certain demographic groups and potentially restrict access to the democratic process. Proponents, on the other hand, maintain that voter ID safeguards against potential voter fraud and ensures the integrity of the elections.

As the local elections continue to unfold, Johnson's mishap at the polling station serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the newly implemented voter ID requirements. The incident has also reignited discussions surrounding the accessibility and inclusivity of the electoral system in the United Kingdom.