The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is introduced by The UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed in 2022 and comes into effect for the first time on 4th May.
This requirement will apply to electors who vote in person or by proxy, at local Council elections, UK parliamentary by-elections, recall petitions and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
For more information visit The Electoral Commission’s your guide to voter ID.
What you need to bring with you on Thursday 4 May 2023
Electors or their proxy must bring an acceptable form of photographic ID to their polling station before they are given a ballot paper. The most commonly used forms of accepted ID include:
- Passport – must be issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- Photo driver’s licence (including provisional) – must be issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- Defence identity card (Ministry of Defence Form 90)
- Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
- A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority. For example, Herefordshire Council Bus Pass, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
To see the full list of photo ID documents that will be accepted, visit the GOV.UK website.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID is able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.
If you have a form of acceptable photo ID but it is out of date, you can still use it to vote at a polling station if it still looks like you. You will only need to show ONE form of photo ID, but it has to look like you and be the original version and not a photocopy.
Postal electors will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. If electors choose to vote by proxy, the proxy will need to take their own identification to the polling station.
No suitable photo ID?
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. See the Gov.uk website at: www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, email canvass@herefordshire.gov.uk
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or a form of acceptable photo ID will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Further information can be found on the Herefordshire Council website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/elections-1/forthcoming-elections-referendums/8
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply for a voter authority certificate should first make sure they are registered to vote.