Have you got photo ID? You’ll need it to vote in May’s local elections
From 4 May, voters in England will need to show photo identification (ID) to vote at polling stations in local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. From October, photo ID will also be mandatory in general elections.
This follows the government’s decision to require voters to show photo ID when voting in person.
A wide range of photoID will be accepted at polling stations including:
- Various concessionary travel passes
- PASS cards
- Ministry of Defence identity cards
- Photocard parking permits issued as part of the Blue Badge scheme
- Driver’s licenses
- Passports
- Free Voter Cards, provided by local authorities
Details of all current photo ID options are set out on the electoral commission website.
People who don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, but are registered to vote, can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on line, which will go live on Monday 16 January. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the May local elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
Paper application forms will be available from our electoral services team and in addition to information on its website, the electoral commission has set up a helpline to support people – 0800 328 0280.
People who don’t want to show photo ID when voting can apply for a postal vote.
