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Photo ID now required for voting at polling stations

30/03/2023
Voter ID you now need photo ID to vote at a polling station

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Students across the city are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May and check they have an accepted form of photo ID to present at the polling stations.

Tim Johnson, Returning Officer at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “With elections taking place in Wolverhampton on Thursday 4 May, 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. Check now so you will be ready to vote in May.”

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable.  You can use any of the following:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence (including provisional license)
  • Blue badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Biometric Immigration document
  • Defence identity card
  • Certain national identity cards
  • NUS Totum+

For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.

You’ll need to complete your application by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April to receive a Voter Authority Certificate in time to vote in the local elections on Thursday 4 May.

You only need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if:

  • you do not have accepted photo ID
  • you no longer look like the photo on your ID
  • the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register

Need further support? 

Wolverhampton City council are running free drop-in sessions at Civic Centre, Wolverhampton, Mondays to Fridays between 10 am and 3 pm to support anyone who needs help applying for their free Voter Authority Certificate. You can find further information at the Wolverhampton.gov.uk drop-in session web page.   

Alternatively, you can contact your local council. To find their contact details visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. 

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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