Voter ID
Remember to take ID!
The Government has introduced new rules which mean all voters must now show an accepted photographic identification before they can cast their vote. If you do not bring your ID to the polling station, you will not be able to vote. This is an important change, so please familiarise yourself with the guidance below
This year, the Council will hold it’s first elections where photographic identification will be required for those who vote at polling stations. The reason for this change is due to legislation which has been brought in by the by UK Parliament, (Elections Act 2022) which requires voters in England to show photographic identification before being issued a ballot paper. Anyone voting at a polling station in England 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, how to apply for free ID if they need it and other options for voting.
If you go to vote at a polling station with no accepted photo identification, you will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo identification.
The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of ID. These have been decided by the UK Government. You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
- A driving licence (including provisional) issued by the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an Older Person’s Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
You will only need to show one form of ID, but it must be original as copies cannot be accepted.
You will be able to use expired photo ID if you are still recognisable from the photo
If You Don’t Have Any Form of Acceptable Photo ID
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online here or by submitting a paper form to the Elections Office at Dukinfield Town Hall, King Street, Dukinfield, SK16 4LA. Paper forms can be obtained here. Those that already have an accepted form of ID do not need to apply. To apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.
Should you need any help completing the online form or require assistance please call our customer services team 0161 342 8355. You can also use one of our local library computers to apply, these are fitted with cameras and blank backgrounds are available should you need one. Please speak to a member of our library team if you require assistance.
Other ways to vote – Postal and Proxy Votes
If you would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, the proxy voter will be required to show their photo ID at the polling station.