What to Use for Photo ID in the Local Elections
If you plan on voting in an election in one of the 230 local elections in England on May 4, then you’ll need a photo ID.
But not everyone has a driving licence – nor an up-to-date passport. So, what can you bring as an alternative?
Well, fortunately, there are plenty of other forms of ID to prove it is you. For instance, a government-issued older persons or a disabled individual’s bus pass is perfectly acceptable. So too is an Oyster 60+ card and a Freedom Pass.
You can also use a Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card, a biometric immigration document and a Ministry of Defence Form 90 (also known as a Defence Identity Card). Another acceptable document is the National identity card which has been issued by an EEA state. Presenting a Voter Authority Certificate and an Anonymous Elector’s Document will also give you the right to place your vote.
You don’t have any of the above
If you’re still stuck because you don’t have any of the documents we’ve just mentioned – or you feel your photo is so out-of-date that it looks nothing like you - then don’t worry. You can still vote in the future. All you need to do is ask for a free voter ID document (or Voter Authority Certificate). But, you have to register to vote first, and then apply.
And you won’t be able to vote in the upcoming elections, since the cut-off point to apply was actually April 25. You will, however, be eligible for next time the elections come around, including the general election some time between 17 December 2024 and 28 January 2025.
How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
You can get a Voter Authority Certificate by filling in a form from your local council. If you have access to a printer then just go to the council’s website and download the form to print out. Alternatively, just phone the council and ask them to send a form out to you. If you’re uncertain about any of the form or how to go about filling it out, then you can call the Electoral Commission hotline for help on 0800 328 0280.
Voting by post
If you send in your vote by post then you won’t need photo ID at all. Instead, it’s your birth date and signature that’s used to identify you.
But, how do you go about registering for a postal vote? Well, again you can download a form – this time, from the Electoral Commission website. See information here. Once you’ve filled out the form, you send it to your local electoral office (usually at your council HQ). You can find out the address here (rather than return it to the Electoral Commission). You will then be sent a ballot pack which you can fill out several weeks prior to an up-coming election. This must be sent back to the electoral office in time for the deadline (it’s a freepost envelope so no need to go hunting for a stamp).
