Remember to bring your photo ID on election day

Residents in Stratford-on-Avon District are being urged to remember their photo ID when they go to vote on 4 May.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. This is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government that comes into effect for the first time at elections in May.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. Further details and a full list of acceptable forms of ID are included on the Council's website at Voter ID at Polling Stations | Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications, at the Electoral Commission, said: "Anyone voting at a polling station in England will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station on Thursday, don't forget to check your bag, wallet, or pocket to make sure you have the photo ID you need to vote."

David Dalby, Returning Officer at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "With 4 weeks to go, make sure you're ready for the elections on 4 May. Check that you've got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you to the polling station on election day. If you need any help, you can contact the electoral services team on 01789 260208."

If voters have not got any acceptable form of photo ID, they can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate at: Apply for photo ID to vote (called a 'Voter Authority Certificate') - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) before 25 April.  

Alternatively, there is a Walk-In Voter ID service at the District Council Offices Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm until 25 April.

• District and Parish Elections are taking place in Stratford-on-Avon District on 4 May 2023
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• The legislation requires voters at polling stations to show an accepted form of photo ID before they receive their ballot paper. From May, voters will need to show photo ID before voting in local council elections in England, UK parliamentary by-elections, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. From October 2023, photo ID will be needed at UK parliamentary general elections. It will not be a requirement at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to Scottish Parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland.