Voters reminded to take acceptable form of photo ID to vote at polling stations in General Election on July 4

This year marks the first time that photo ID will be required when voting in a General Election.

The requirement to produce an accepted form of photo ID was first introduced during the 2023 local elections.

All those wishing to cast their votes on July 4 must show an accepted form of photo ID at a polling station to be able to vote.

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 or an Oyster 60+ card.

Only original documents will be accepted, and scanned images or copies will not be accepted. Expired ID can still be used as long as the photo remains a good likeness.

Anyone who does not have an accepted form of ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to use at the polling station via: www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm, this Wednesday, (June 26).

The voter ID rules apply to all voters who vote in person or by proxy at a polling station.

For those who have chosen to vote by post, they do not have to provide photo ID to vote.

The poll card delivered to voter households will advise which polling station to attend on polling day, between 7am and 10pm.

Voters are also advised that the process of receiving a ballot paper may take a little longer than usual as a result of the need to check ID, and may lead to some short queues forming at busy times.