THE deadline for applying for free voter ID before the May local election is 5pm Tuesday, April 25.
Under new Government rules, all voters must now show accepted photographic identification before they can vote in an election, including in the local election taking place on 4 May 2023.
Anyone who doesn’t already have an accepted form of photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence) can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. People can apply online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk, or by submitting a paper form to the Elections Office at Dukinfield Town Hall, King Street, Dukinfield, SK16 4LA before 5pm on 25 April.
Paper forms can be obtained online at www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-voter-authority-certificate-by-post-if-youre-living-in-the-uk.
Tameside library staff will be able to assist anyone who needs help to access a free Voter Authority Certificate.
The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of ID. These have been decided by the UK Government. Many people may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable – they can use any of the following:
- A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
- A driving licence (including provisional) issued by the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an Older Person’s Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
Voters will only need to show one form of ID, but it must be original as copies cannot be accepted. People will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who attends a poll station with an accepted form of ID will not be able to vote.
For further information see www.tameside.gov.uk/elections/voterid