For the first time, residents in East Staffordshire will need to show photographic ID to vote in this year’s elections. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
The following is a list of accepted forms of ID in the UK:
- A UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- A UK, EEA, or Commonwealth driver’s license
- Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at http://www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for free ID, at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Andy O’Brien, Returning Officer at East Staffordshire Borough Council, said: “With elections taking place in East Staffordshire on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending it to East Staffordshire Borough Council’s electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team on 01283 508376.”
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 http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.