Voter ID needed for Elections - are you ready? A checklist from the Parish Clerk

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 byelections

.. Recall petitions

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

.. a passport

.. a UK driving licence

.. a blue disabled person’s badge

.. an older person’s bus pass

However these don’t have to be current - as long as the photograph 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-ama/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-forphoto-id-voter-authority-certificate.

If you don’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 number 07305 303 889. 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.