Lewes Town Council is encouraging voters to ensure they have valid photo ID ready for the local elections in May 2023
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 for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote?
Many people will already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional license)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call the Electoral Commission helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID
If you don’t already 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 https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate .
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form available from Lewes District Council. You can find the form to download, as well as contact details if you need assistance, on their website: https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/elections-and-voting/new-voter-id-requirements/
The postal voting process will not be changing, and you will not require photo ID to vote by post.
Important dates for voters to be able to vote at the local elections in May:
- Register to vote by Monday 17 April 2023
- Register for a postal vote by 5pm Tues 18 April 2023
- Register to vote by proxy by 5pm Tues 25 April 2023
- Register for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm Tues 25 April 2023