Residents need photo ID to vote in person at the elections on Thursday May 2
Last updated: 19/4/2024
Rushcliffe Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of photo ID ready to show if voting in person at a polling station in the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner and East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayoral Elections on Thursday May 2.
The UK Government introduced the requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station from May 2023 and will apply again in England at the polls on Thursday May 2.
The new legislation does not apply for residents who vote by post, as this voting method is verified in other ways.
Forms of acceptable photo ID which can be used to vote with include:
- 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
If you have a form of accepted photo ID which is out of date, you can still use it to vote at a polling station if it still looks like you.
Further information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, is available on the Electoral Commission website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If individuals don’t have any accepted form of photo ID, they can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate before 5pm on Wednesday April 24.
To get a Voter Authority Certificate, residents can complete an online form on the Government website or, complete a paper application form and send to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s electoral services team.
If you need help applying for a free Voter Authority Certificate then you can make an appointment to complete an application in person at our Customer Services Centre at Fountain Court in West Bridgford by calling 0115 981 9911.
To register to vote, residents can complete a quick and easy online form and should do so by 11:59pm on Tuesday April 16.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Local Returning Officer for the elections Katherine Marriott said: “We urge everyone to ensure they are prepared by having a form of photo ID ready to bring with them if voting in person at a polling station at the upcoming elections on Thursday May 2.
“It’s essential that you bring photo ID with you otherwise, you won’t be able to vote.
“If anyone is concerned that they don’t have any voter ID, please get in touch with us and we can help you get a free Voter Authority Certificate.
“If anyone has any other questions about registering to vote or the new photo ID requirement, get in touch with our electoral registration team by emailing elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911.”