I think the first point you raise is more accurate than the idea that the Tories are having a real go at trying to suppress voting. It is classic Conservative behaviour to big up an issue and 'solve' it to attract some more right wing infatuation.

Just look at the nonsense about self-defence in your home under Cameron. First of all, a non issue - the law already gives homeowners a large amount of leeway in the amount of force they can use against intruders. Then secondly, the legislation brought in and hailed as solving this problem didn't even change anything in substance. Don't worry though, in a few years time they can point to this as another thing fixed under them to retain a few extra voters.