Harborough district residents need photo ID to vote at elections in May

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote on 4 May 2023 by checking they have an accepted form of ID. The changes do not affect residents who use a postal vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID is able to apply for free ID up to 25 April 2023 online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance for The Electoral Commission, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Liz Elliott, interim chief executive and returning officer at Harborough District Council, said: “With elections taking place in the Harborough district 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 this to Harborough District 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 01858 821372/e.services@harborough.gov.uk”

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 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.