The photo ID you will need to cast your vote
Summary
On May 1st, all voters in England's local elections have to show a valid identification card at the polling station. Various forms of ID are accepted, but those without suitable identification or who don't resemble their ID photo may face voting barriers.Key Facts
- All voters attending in-person voting for local elections in England on May 1st must provide valid photo ID.
- People voting in the Runcorn and Helsby by-elections also need to prove their identity.
- Over 20 types of ID cards, including passports, driving licenses, and older/disabled person's bus passes are accepted as valid ID.
- If a person's photo ID is outdated but they still look the same, they can use it for voting.
- Those without correct ID or who don't resemble their photo can apply for a free voter authority certificate, but it is now too late for this procedure for the May elections.
- In case of ID loss or theft, voters can request an emergency proxy vote (nominating someone else to vote for them) up until 5 PM on polling day.
- The move to require photo IDs for voting was introduced by the government in May 2023 for preventing voter fraud.
- According to the Electoral Commission, only 1,462 cases of alleged electoral fraud were reported between 2019 and 2023, and only 11 involved impersonation at polling stations, leading to one conviction.
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