Posted on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council:
Voter ID
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply at the local elections on Thursday 4th May 2023.
Which forms of ID can I use?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- 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
- Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- A Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
- A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority
You can find a full list of accepted documents here.
Only original documents will be accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted. Expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.
You can find out more on the council’s dedicated elections page or by visiting electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
If you don’t have an accepted form of ID
If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can request a paper application form from Electoral Services by calling 01782 233800 or by emailing [email protected].
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, visit the council’s dedicated elections page or by visiting electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Postal and proxy voting
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their ballot packs as usual.
If you vote by proxy, the person you have appointed to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification.
