Photo ID required to vote at May election

Redditch Borough residents will need to show photographic ID for the first time in order to vote at this year’s local elections.

Residents 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 or drivers’ licence, some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to 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.

Redditch Borough’s Returning Officer, Sue Hanley, said: “Now that the law has changed it is vital that those who want to vote on May 4th make sure they have an accepted form of ID. This applies to everyone voting at a polling station, so please consider getting ready now and avoid any late rush.

“If you don’t already have one of the accepted forms of ID, you can apply for free ID either online or by sending in a paper application form. If you need any help, please just contact the Electoral Services team at the borough council who will support you.”

The Electoral Commission has produced full and comprehensive advice on voter ID requirements, and there are links to that alongside local information at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/elections. Alternatively, contact Redditch Borough Council’s Electoral Services team.

The Electoral Commission’s Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, Ailsa Irvine, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year. It comes into effect for the first time this May.