Passports, driving licences, blue badges and certain bus passes are valid forms of voter ID (Image: Getty)
TABLE OF CONTENT What ID do I need to vote? What if I don't have ID, can I still vote? Do I need photo ID to vote by post?
With May 2’s local elections - not to mention several key Westminster by-elections and the London Mayoral elections - rapidly approaching, voters are now gearing up to have their say on the future of their regions.
But as of 2023, everyone wishing to cast their vote will need to show photographic ID at the polling station. Those without any form of photo identification will be turned away.
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The new system has been hotly debated, with Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg last year insisting the new voter ID rules were an attempt to "gerrymander" the electoral system.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brushed off the concerns by insisting he was “very comfortable” with the new system, which is already being "used in tons of other countries across Europe and indeed Canada". He added: "I think it is an entirely reasonable thing that there is integrity in our voting system."
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Express Politics brings you a full guide on voter ID, from what identification you need to vote to how to apply for some in time before the local elections.
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You will be unable to cast your ballot without providing photographic identification (Image: Getty)
What ID do I need to vote?
Voters only need to provide one form of photo ID but it must be the original version and not a photocopy.
Craig Westwood, Director of Communications, Policy and Research, said: “Elections in the UK are well run, and voters have high levels of confidence, but challenges need to be addressed across the system if that is to continue, and if barriers experienced by some voters are to be lifted.
“The new voter ID requirement has posed a barrier to some voters and is likely to have a larger impact at higher turnout polls. We have made recommendations to expand accessibility and support for voters, which should be introduced ahead of the next UK general election to ensure large numbers of people are not prevented from taking part.”
A full guide on what people need to know about the new rules is available on the website of the Electoral Commission, which was tasked with evaluating the new regulations.
Broadly speaking, acceptable forms of photo ID can be grouped into five categories: international travel, driving, local travel, proof of age and other government documents.
International travel Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card). Driving and parking Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence). A Blue Badge. Local travel Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London Freedom Pass Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass) 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland Proof of age Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card) Other government-issued documents Biometric immigration document Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card) National identity card issued by an EEA state Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland Voter Authority Certificate Anonymous Elector's Document
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What if I don't have ID, can I still vote?
If you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the elections on Thursday, May 2 is 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.
To apply, you will need to provide your:
name address date of birth National Insurance number A photo
The photo must be a close-up of your head and shoulders, with you facing directly into the camera. You must have a plain facial expression, with your eyes open.
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If you don't know your NI number, check your payslips or any official letters about tax, pensions or benefits. If you still don't know your NI number, you'll need to provide other forms of proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement and a utility bill.
You must register to vote before applying for the Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for this has now already passed, so if you have not registered to vote already you will not be able to cast your ballot in this year's election.
Do I need photo ID to vote by post?
You don't need photo ID to vote by post. If you do not have photo ID and have already registered for a postal vote, you don't need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
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