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New photo ID requirement for voting

3 Feb 2023 - 10:53 by michelle.foster

The government has recently introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. From Thursday 4 May, voters in England will need to show photo id cardphoto ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to: local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. From October 2023, it will also apply to UK general elections.

We know that many of our members will work with groups that are already marginalised from the democratic process, and who may find it difficult to access a form of photo ID. We hope that you can share this information with your networks so that people are aware of this new requirement.

For example, individuals who don’t have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Individuals will be able to use the Voter Authority Certificate to vote in person in some UK elections and referendums. However, it cannot be used as proof of identification for any other reason. It is free, but you need to apply through the government website.

Read more information here about applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

Please share this information with your networks, particularly groups who are less likely to vote or people who are less likely to have photo ID.

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