Do you have the right ID to vote?

From 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 by-elections
• Recall petitions
• From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

A number of existing Photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences, blue badges, and several bus & travelling passes.

If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for applying is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023

See the Electoral Commission's website for more information, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.

There are alternative methods of voting available to electors, postal and proxy. 

• Electors voting by post do not need to provide photo ID to vote by post. 
• Any elector wanting to vote by post and hasn't already got a postal vote set up will need to apply. The deadline for postal vote application is 5pm on Tuesday 18th April 2023.  
•  Voting by proxy, allowing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, this option could be used if the elector is due to be on holiday. The deadline for submitting a proxy vote application is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023