Photo ID needed to vote at local elections in May

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. Residents in the borough of Ashford are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters can use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form. If you need any help with applying or want to request an application form, email vote@ashford.gov.uk or call  01233 330 402.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID:  electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID