From 4 May 2023 voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections, including local elections, parliamentary by-elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and recall petitions. From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.
No elections are planned in the Shropshire Council area this year, but from February 2023 onwards anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID – known as a Voter Authority Certificate at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ 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. A full list of acceptable ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website – Accepted forms of photo ID | Electoral Commission
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. If anyone is not registered to vote and wishes to do so you can register online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote You can find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on a polling day at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.