For the first time, residents in Solihull will need to show photo ID to vote in polling stations at this year’s local elections.
This new requirement was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into force for the first time at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of photo 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 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 can apply for a free voter ID document (known as a Voter Authority Certificate) at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/, or by submitting a paper application to the Council’s electoral services team.
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 and when to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, 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.
A summary of this information can be found on our special election webpage, www.solihull.gov.uk/voterid, and the Council’s Electoral Services Team can be contacted at electoralservices@solihull.gov.uk.