No ID? Time is running out to apply for a free voter ID before May elections

The deadline to apply for a free voter ID for these elections is fast approaching.

If voting in person on 2 May, for the first time, you will need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station. There are several accepted forms of ID, including:

• Passport
• Driver's license
• Multiple concessionary travel passes
• PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Blue badge
• And many more

You will be able to use expired ID if you are still recognisable from the photo, but it still must be one of these approved forms.

If you do not have an approved photo ID, or you just want to be sure you are covered, you can apply for a free voter ID (known as a Voter Authority Certificate). The deadline to apply for this is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

If you are unable to vote in person on 2 May, you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

Anyone can be your proxy, as long as they are registered to vote and allowed to vote in the same type of election.

Your chosen person can't be a proxy for more than two people at the same election, unless the extra people are close relatives.

It is quick and easy to apply for a proxy vote online. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for the 2 May elections is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.

Kim Wright, Constituency Returning Officer for Brent and Harrow and Chief Executive of Brent Council, said:

"The elections on 2 May will be different to usual. There are a number of new rules in place, including the requirement to bring voter ID if you are voting at a polling station.

"This should not prevent anyone from being able to vote, as anyone without an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

"The deadline to apply for this before the May elections is just a week away and so I would urge everyone to double check if you have the right ID and if not, or if you just want to make sure you're covered, to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. Your vote is important. Don't lose it, bring your ID to the polling station."

Find out more about the upcoming elections at www.harrow.gov.uk/elections

Published: 19th April 2024