It is now mandatory that ID is provided to vote in the forthcoming May council elections. But it doesn’t have to be a passport.
The UK government has changed the UK electoral system, even though councils up and down the country objected to the change, including the administration that currently runs Waverley.
However, The Elections Act 2022 contains measures that affect elections and how the residents of Waverley will vote.
The most significant of these is the introduction of photo identification at polling stations. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday, 4 May
Identification and Voter Authority Certificate
The Elections Act 2022 has introduced a new requirement for voters to show photographic identification before voting in person at a polling station at elections from May 2023.
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue Badge
- An older person’s bus pass
- A disabled person’s bus pass
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration Document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
The Electoral Commission has more information about which forms of photo ID will be accepted.
You can still use your photo ID if it’s outdated as long as it looks like you.
What if I don’t have an accepted form of ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo IDs and want to vote at the polling station, you must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specifically for the purposes of voting.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or call 01483 523116.
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate or valid identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Postal and Proxy Voters
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued their postal ballot papers as usual.
If you choose to vote by proxy, the person you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their identification to be issued with a ballot paper.
The Voter Authority Certificate is NOT a free photographic identification because they don’t supply the photo – you do! And it has to be digitally-readable, like a passport photo. If you’ve tried uploading your smartphone selfie for a passport application, you’ll know how difficult it can be to achieve digital perfection for your self-portrait! Fortunately, places like Timpsons will take your photo and supply printed copies as well as a download-able digital version. But it costs £12.