Elections Act 2022

As of May 2023, you will now need to show an accepted form of photographic identification (photo ID) when voting at a polling station in local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections, recall petitions and neighbourhood planning referendums. This will also apply to any UK General Parliamentary elections from October 2023.

There is a list of accepted photo ID available. This will also be included on your poll card that is sent to you ahead of an election.

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photo ID document that can only be used for voting purposes and will not be accepted as a form of photographic identity for anything else.

You will only need to supply photo ID if you vote at a polling station either in person or as a proxy for someone else. If you vote by post, you will not need to provide photo ID.

Further information on voter ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website.