Rushcliffe Borough Council is supporting residents in obtaining photo ID and the necessary documentation to vote in person at this year’s local elections through a series of drop-in events in the coming weeks.
Residents need to make sure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of photo ID ready to show if voting in person at a polling station in this year’s polls.
It follows the UK Government introducing the requirement and will apply for the first time in England at the polls on Thursday, May 4.
Forms of acceptable photo ID which can be used to vote with include:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- 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
The Council is aware some residents do not have any of these forms of ID and therefore they can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
To get a Voter Authority Certificate, residents can complete an online form at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-to-vote or, complete a paper application form and send to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s electoral services team.
Or, they can now attend one of the following in-person sessions to have a photo taken and the Voter Authority Certificate completed with one of the Council’s friendly Customer Services team.
Residents need to have their date of birth and national insurance number to hand and already be registered to vote before they arrive at any site.
- Edwalton Golf Club, Wellin Lane, Edwalton, NG12 4AS
Monday March 27, 3pm-7pm
- Bingham Arena Leisure Centre, Mercia Court, Chapel Lane, Bingham, NG13 8QX Tuesday March 28, 3pm-7pm
- Cotgrave Leisure Centre, Woodview, Cotgrave, NG12 3PJ,
Wednesday March 29, 3pm-7pm
- Ruddington Parish Council, St Peter’s Rooms, Church Street, Ruddington, NG11 6HD, Thursday March 30 3pm-7pm
- East Leake Leisure Centre, Lantern Lane, East Leake, LE12 6QN
Monday April 3, 3pm-7pm
- Hickling Village Hall, Main Street, Hickling, LE14 3AQ
Tuesday April 4, 10am-2pm
- Keyworth Leisure Centre, Church Drive, Keyworth, NG12 5FF
Wednesday April 5, 3pm-7pm
- Orston Village Hall, Lombard Street, Orston, NG13 9NG
Friday April 14, 10am-2pm
The authority is also offering free in-person support at their Customer Services sites across the Borough to assist residents in applying for the Certificate.
The Customer Service Centre on Gordon Road in West Bridgford is available during opening hours of Mondays and Thursdays 8.30 am to 5 pm and Fridays 8.30 am to 4.30 pm to help guide residents through the process.
Appointments are also available to complete the process in person at the Council’s Customer Service contact points at Bingham, East Leake and Cotgrave.
The new legislation does not apply for residents who vote by post or proxy, with both forms of these voting methods verified in other ways.
To register to vote, residents can complete a quick and easy online form at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Alternatively, paper forms are available on request from RBC by emailing elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Returning Officer for the elections Katherine Marriott said: “We want to ensure all residents are aware of the new regulations for photo ID the UK Government has introduced.
“We urge everyone to be prepared and ensure they have a form of photo ID ready to bring with them if voting in person at a polling station at the upcoming local elections on Thursday May 4.
“It’s absolutely vital that you bring appropriate ID with you otherwise, you won’t be able to vote.
“If anyone is concerned they don’t have any voter ID, please get in touch with us and we can help you get a free Voter Authority Certificate online, at one of our Customer Service sites or one of the drop-in events.
“If anyone has any other questions about registering to vote or the new photo ID requirement, get in touch with our electoral registration team by emailing elections@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 981 9911.”
