From the elections on 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.
This will apply to:
• Local elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections
• UK parliamentary by-elections
• Recall petitions
and
• from October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
• a passport;
• UK driving licence;
• a blue disabled person’s badge; or
• an older person’s bus pass.
However these don’t have to be valid – as long as the photograph on it still looks like you.
The full list of accepted forms of photo ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
If you don’t have any form of photo ID, then you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a “Voter Authority Certificate” via the Government’s website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.
If you know someone who doesn’t have access to the internet, the Clerk has some printed copies of the form which she will be happy to deliver – just call the Parish Council mobile – 07305 303889. The deadline for applying for the ‘VAC’ is 25 April.
There is also a special Electoral Commission helpline: 0800 328 0280
Postal votes are not affected by this requirement, but if you would like a postal vote you need to have registered by Tuesday 18 April. The Clerk also has copies of the form to apply for a postal vote.
Don’t lose your vote!