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VOTER ID LAWS: WHAT IS CHANGING?
If you do not have a physical form of photo ID, with an up-to-date photo, that you can take to the polling station, you will not be able to cast your vote.
From May this year, you will be required to bring photo ID with you to the polling station in order to vote. This applies to all forms of elections including General Elections from October 2023, except for elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd and local elections to Councils in Scotland and Wales.
WHAT FORMS OF ID ARE ACCEPTED?
A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website. You can still use an expired ID if the photo is up-to-date and still bears your likeness and has the same name on it as the electoral register.
The most notable accepted IDs are
- Passports – Issued by the UK, Crown Dependencies, British Overseas Territories, European Economic Area or Commonwealth Countries.
- Driving licenses (full or provisional) - Issued by the UK, Crown Dependencies, British Overseas Territories, or European Economic Area countries.
- Blue Badge Parking Permits
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Various forms of elderly/disabled concessionary travel cards - but not young people travel cards.
CAN I USE ARMED FORCES OR VETERANS ID CARDS?
The Veterans ID card is not an accepted form of ID for voting. So, you will not be able to use this at the polling station. You will need to bring another form of ID with you from the list above. Although if you are living in Northern Ireland and have the War Disablement SmartPass for concessionary travel you can use this.
If you are a serving member of the Armed Forces, you can use your Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card). If you are a veteran who still has a Defence ID card, you can use this if the photo is up-to-date and still bears your resemblance, and the name matches that on the electoral register.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY ACCEPTED FORMS OF ID?
If you do not have any of the above forms of ID, the name doesn’t match the electoral register, or you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any reason you will need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a new form of photo ID only for this purpose. You will need to apply for this certificate which will be issued by your local authority. It shows the elector’s name and photograph, and a unique number and is valid for 10 years.
You can either apply online or by contacting your local authority. You will need to be on the electoral register to apply. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the local elections in England on 4 May 2023 is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
As a charity we want to make sure veterans are aware of the changes in law and can access support to get the required ID so they can cast their vote."
Help for Heroes CEO
CHECKLIST FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Check you are registered to vote | If not, you can register online – if take less than five minutes. You just need your address and National Insurance Number. There is a slightly different registration process if you are an Armed Forces member/family member who is serving overseas and does not have permanent address in the UK. More information about this process can be found online. |
Check if you need photo ID for the upcoming election | You will need photo ID from 4 May for: England
From October 2023 Voter ID will be required to vote in UK General elections in all four nations. |
Check you have an accepted form of photo ID | Full list of accepted IDs can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website. Make sure that the name matches that on the electoral register and the photo is a current likeness of you. |
Do you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate? | If you do not have any of the above forms of photo ID, you will need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. If you want to vote in the local elections in England on 4 May 2023 you will need to apply by Tuesday 25 April 2023. |
Take your ID to the polling station | You will be refused a ballot paper if you do not have photo ID with you on the day. |
For more information, contact our Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager, Rachel Taggart-Ryan at rachel.taggart-ryan@helpforheroes.org.uk
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