“The availability of free ID is important to maintaining the accessibility of elections. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.Īilsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration at the Electoral Commission, said: Accepted forms of ID at polling stations include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport a UK or EEA drivers’ licence and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Those that have an accepted form of ID do not need to apply for a certificate. The deadline to apply for a certificate before the May elections will be 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. Local elections are taking place across England on 4 May, and those intending to vote at a polling station will need to show photo ID to receive a ballot paper. Applicants must be registered to vote, and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph with their application. Paper application forms are also available from local authorities.
Ahead of a new voter ID requirement, the UK Government has opened the online portal for the ID, known as the Voter Authority Certificate, and local authorities will begin processing applications.Īpplications can be submitted through the online portal, at /.
Applications open today for a new form of free ID that can be used at elections.
