Residents are being asked to check that they have an accepted form of photo ID ahead of this year’s local elections on Thursday, May 4th 2023. Elections are being held in Charnwood for the borough council as well as some town and parish councils.
The new requirement of showing photo ID at polling stations is being introduced by the UK Government and comes into effect for the first time this May. Voters across England will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID when voting at polling stations for local elections.
Residents without one of the suitable forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ which can only be used for elections. Applications can be made online through the GOV.UK website or by completing a paper form. A paper form is available to download and print from the Charnwood Borough Council website. Alternatively, residents can request the form be sent to them via post by contacting the elections team at [email protected] or by calling 01509 634546.
Those who require a Voter Authority Certificate are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is 5 pm on Tuesday, April 25th 2023. Residents should first make sure they are registered to vote before applying.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth driver’s 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.
Residents are recommended to check the list of accepted ID carefully as some forms of photo ID, such as security passes issued by employers, will not be accepted.
A list of accepted ID is available on the Council’s website, along with more information about the new requirement, frequently asked questions, and details of how to apply for the free ID. For more information, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/VoterID
YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR VOTER ID SO THAT YOU CAN VOTE