Serious fears have been raised that many people wanting to vote at the local elections on May 4 will suddenly discover they are unable to do so. This is because the government has introduced a new photo ID scheme before people will be allowed to cast their vote.
This week a Green Party peer has branded new photo ID laws for voters “a disaster for democracy” and accused the Government of perpetrating “voter fraud”. Baroness Jenny Jones joined opposition MPs and campaigners to deliver a petition to Downing Street, as well as a letter for the Prime Minister, on Wednesday, calling on the Government to “urgently scrap” new compulsory rules for those voting in person during England’s local elections next month.
Those turning up at polling stations will be required to show a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence or blue badge. Baroness Jones said: “The Government has actually perpetrated voter fraud. They have pushed through a Bill that is going to prevent certain groups, particularly younger people, from voting. All in all, this is a disaster for democracy.”
Read more: Click here for all the latest news on the 2023 local elections in Nottinghamshire
The government today issued a notice warning people to check now that they have the necessary accepted photo identification ready and apply for a free voter authority certificate if needed. Anyone voting in person in local elections taking place in England on Thursday, May 4, 2023, will need an accepted form of photo identification to cast their vote.
Voters who do not have accepted photo identification can apply for a free local Voter Authority Certificate by post or online 24 hours a day, up until Tuesday 25 April at 5pm. The government is working with the Electoral Commission, local authorities and stakeholders to ensure voters are aware of the changes.
The Commission has been running a public awareness campaign since January, running widely across all major channels.
What photographic IDs are acceptable?
You’ll need one of the following types of photo ID to vote:
- a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
- a UK passport
- a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
- a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
- a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
- a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
- a Voter Authority Certificate
- an Anonymous Elector’s Document
You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:
- an older person’s bus pass
- a disabled person’s bus pass
- an Oyster 60+ card
- a Freedom Pass
- a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "It’s vital you check now if you have the photo identification needed to vote in English local elections taking place in May. While the vast majority of voters already own an accepted form of identification, anyone who needs to can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before 5pm on Tuesday. |For more information please check your polling card and find more details online."
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