Voters across the country are being advised they will need to show photographic ID to cast their ballots at local council elections this May.
The obligation for voters to show ID at polling stations is a new requirement, introduced by the government last year and coming into effect for the first time this May.
The new legislation covers local council elections in England as well as parliamentary by-elections and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales.
From October 2023, photo ID will also be needed at general elections across the UK.
However, it will not be a requirement at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or for elections to the Scottish Parliament or Welsh Senedd.
The requirement for voters to show ID already exists in Northern Ireland.
People in England are now being urged to make sure they are ready for the change at local elections by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
Types of ID people can use include:
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
- some types of concessionary travel pass (eg: an older person’s bus pass or 60+ Oyster card)
Authorities say voters will be able to use expired ID documents, as long as they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will also be able to apply for a free ID certificate online via the gov.uk website or by completing a paper form.
A full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirements and details of how to apply for the free ID.
Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.
“It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.”
As usual, anyone who wants to cast their ballot must also be registered to vote.
People can register to vote online – and voters who are applying for the free ID document should first make sure they are registered to vote.
Eligible voters can also vote by post in the usual way – you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.
Local council elections are taking place on Thursday 4th May 2023.
