The Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting in elections. This will be introduced from Thursday 4 May 2023, when the local elections take place.
Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, a photocard driver’s licence, a Blue Badge, an Oyster 60+ card or an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card). Please note, Merseytravel bus passes are only accepted if they include “funded by HM Government”. If they haven’t been funded by the Government, they will not be accepted. You will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online on the Electoral Commission website or you can request a paper form to be sent to you by calling the Knowsley Elections Team on 0151 443 2222. The closing date for applications for free photo ID (called a Voter Authority Certificate) is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May 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, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said “With elections taking place in Knowsley on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID as soon as possible. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to the Council’s Election Team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, please contact the Elections Team on 0151 443 2222. Alternatively, residents can request a postal vote.”
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year, and comes into effect for the first time this May. You can also vote by post or vote by proxy. Further details about how to do this can be found here.
Further information can also be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.