Rushcliffe Borough Council is reminding residents 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 local elections.
The UK Government has introduced the requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections and will apply for the first time in England at the polls on Thursday, May 4.
The new legislation does not apply to residents who vote by post or proxy, with both forms of these voting methods verified in other ways.
Forms of acceptable photo ID which can be used to vote with include:
- 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
Further information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, is available on the Electoral Commission website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If individuals don’t have any accepted form of photo ID, 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 it to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s electoral services team.
The authority is now offering free in-person support at their Customer Services sites across the Borough to assist residents in applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.
The Customer Service Centre on Gordon Road in West Bridgford is available during opening hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 8.30 am to 5 pm and Fridays from 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.
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.
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 the Government website.
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 a photo 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.
“Our Customer Services teams across the Borough are now on hand ready to help any residents with the online Voter Authority Certificate form.
“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 calling 0115 981 9911.”
