Photo ID needed to vote at elections in May

For the first time, residents in North Herts, and the rest of England and Wales, will need to show photographic identification to vote at this year’s local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Therefore we are urging those wanting to vote in person to make sure they are ready by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
• UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence (including a provisional drivers’ licence)
• Blue Badge (disabled parking permit)
• Older Person’s Bus Pass
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• Oyster 60+ Card
• Freedom Pass
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website: Accepted forms of photo ID.

You will only need to show one original form of photo ID, photocopies will not be accepted. You can still use photo ID if it's out of date, as long as the photo still looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

Don’t have an accepted form of ID?

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online: Voter Authority Certificate – GOV.UK (voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk) or by completing a paper form, available from the main council offices in Gernon Road, Letchworth. The form will require a photo, your full name, date of birth, the address at which you are registered to vote and your National Insurance number.

Melanie Stimpson, North Herts Returning Officer, said: “With a third of our councillors up for election in May, it’s important that those who want to vote in person ensure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote when polling day arrives. 

“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 returning it back to the council.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at The Electoral Commission, added: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect on the day on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Melanie added: “As usual, 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 to vote online with your National Insurance number. Please register to vote first, and then apply for your photo ID if necessary.”

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement, introduced by the government’s Elections Act passed in 2022. It comes into effect for the first time this May and will apply to general elections from October 2023, the next of which is scheduled to be held no later than 24 January 2025.

This year is the last time North Herts will elect ‘by thirds’, as from May 2024 district elections will go ‘all-out’ – where all district councillors will be elected at the same time – every four years.