Check Your Photo ID Now or Miss Out in May’s Local Elections!
With just two weeks to go before England’s local elections on Thursday 4th May 2023, the Government has issued a sharp warning: make sure you have accepted photo ID or risk being turned away at the polling station.
Photo ID Now Mandatory for Local Votes
For the first time in England, voters must show approved photo identification to cast their ballot in person. This new rule matches Northern Ireland’s system, which has required ID since 2003, beefing up election security and cracking down on voter fraud.
Most voters already hold acceptable ID, including driving licences, blue badges, and Freedom Passes. But those without valid photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or by post — hurry, the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 25th April.
Government and Electoral Commission Step Up Campaign
To spread the word, the Government is teaming up with the Electoral Commission and local councils. The Commission has been blasting public awareness campaigns across TV, radio, and online since January to reach every voter.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:
“It’s vital you check now if you have the photo identification needed to vote in English local elections taking place in May.
While the vast majority of voters already own an accepted form of identification, anyone who needs to can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before 5pm on Tuesday.
For more information please check your polling card and find more details online.”
Accepted Photo ID: What You Can Use
Here’s what counts as valid ID for voters in England:
- Driving licence (including provisional)
- Passport
- PASS card (includes NUS Totum, Post Office, Young Scot cards)
- Blue Badge
- Biometric residence permit
- Defence Identity Card
- National identity cards from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
- Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector’s Document
- Older person’s bus pass
- Disabled person’s bus pass
- Oyster 60+ card
- Freedom Pass
- Scottish National Entitlement Card
- 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
Need more info? Visit gov.uk or the Electoral Commission website now.
Don’t get caught out — check your ID and apply for your free certificate before the deadline. Your vote counts, but only if you bring the right ID!
