You need Photo ID for May Elections
Published on 21 February 2023 11:00 AM
Don't Forget: Photo ID needed for Elections
On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place in Bath & North East Somerset. This year, for the first time ever, you will need to bring photo ID to vote at a polling station.
If you do not have Photo ID, or if yours is out of date or unrecognisable, there are places that can offer support with applying online for photo ID including here at Age UK Bath & North East Somerset. Make sure you are registered to vote first!
Are you on the Electoral Register?
You can check if you are on the electoral register by calling 01225 477333 or emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk. The deadline to register to vote for the May elections is Monday 17 April. Residents can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at the same time as registering to vote.
The deadline to apply for a certificate for the May election is 5pm, Tuesday 25 April.
The requirement to show photo ID only applies to people voting in person at a polling station. If you vote by post, you will not need to provide photo ID.
What ID is accepted?
A passport, photocard driving licence, Blue Badge, Older Person's Bus Pass or Disabled Persons Bus Pass are some of the documents that will be accepted as proof of identity before voters will be issued with a ballot paper at the polling station. Voters will also need to be on the electoral register.
The need for photo ID is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which comes into effect from 4 May 2023.
You do NOT need photo ID to vote by post. You can apply for a postal vote. Find Out More and Download a Postal Voting Form HERE
Who can help me get ID?
To apply for the certificate, residents will need to provide a passport-style photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number. There are places in B&NES that can help you.
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset
We are able to support you with getting your photo ID online so you can vote in person at the polling station. We can take your photo and make the online process easy and smooth.
01225 466135 digital@ageukbanes.co.uk
Bath & North East Somerset Council
The Council have information below to help you check you are registered to vote as well as places to get in person help with your ID HERE.
From 27th Febuary residents will be able to call into the One-Stop-Shops in Bath, Midsomer Norton and Keynsham.The staff will be able to take a photograph of residents if necessary to submit with their application.
More about this here.