In April 2022, the government introduced new rules for voting. From May 2023 you will need photo ID if you vote:
- in person
- by proxy
The rules will be in place for our next local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
What types of ID can I use?
Polling stations can accept things like:
- passports
- photo driver’s licence (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photo ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- an identity card with the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
Documents:
- must be in original format - scanned or copied documents are not valid
- can be out-of-date documents - for example a passport. The photo must still look like you
See full list of photo ID accepted (GOV.UK).
What if I don't have suitable photo ID?
If you do not have suitable photo ID, but want to vote in person, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photo ID document which you can use for voting only.
The deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm Tuesday 25 April.
See Voter Authority Certificate: easy read guide (GOV.UK)
Other ways to vote
Postal voters do not need photo ID. We will send you your ballot as normal. If you have a proxy vote, the person who votes for you must have their own ID.
Anyone can apply to vote by post. You don’t need to give a reason.