Voter ID deadline looms as thousands could miss out on polling day

New rules mean anyone wanting to make their vote count at a polling station will need photo ID.

Changes by the UK Government to the UK electoral system through The Elections Act, mean you will need to show an accepted form of photographic identification to vote at a polling station in the local elections on Thursday 4th May 2023.

If you are voting at a polling station on election day, Thursday 4th May 2023, you will need to show one form of photographic ID..

You can use any of the following:

• a passport
• a driving licence – including provisional license
• a Blue Badge
• an older person’s bus pass (it must state it is funded by the government – local travel passes cannot be used)
• a disabled person’s buss pass
• an identity card with Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) mark
• a biometric immigration document
• a defence identity card
• certain national identity cards

You can find the full list of accepted forms of photo ID here.

Voter Authority Certificate

If you do not have photo ID from the accepted list above, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

 To apply you will need:

• a recent, digital photo of yourself
• your National Insurance number;

and you will need to be registered to vote.

Apply for a a free Voter Authority Certificate here.

You can register to vote here (deadline by :59pm on Monday 17th April). 

If you are not able to apply online or would prefer to receive a paper application form, please contact Electoral Services on 0345 140 0845 or email electors@sefton.gov.uk

Deadline

The deadline for applications for Voter Authority Certificates is 5pm on Tuesday 25th April, but please apply as soon as possible if you do not already have an accepted from of photo ID.

Postal Voters WON’T be affected by this change.