People will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they vote in the May local elections.
Around 14,000 people were unable to vote in the 2023 local elections because they did not have the correct ID. The true figure could be much higher as some people may have left after reading the ID requirements, without being formally recorded according to the Electoral Commission.
Make sure you aren't denied the chance to have your say.
What elections are taking place in May 2024?
Elections are taking place in 107 local authorities across England.
Voters will also choose the Mayor of London, London Assembly members and 10 other mayors. In addition, voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).
No elections are being held in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
However there will be a General Election, which must be held before 28 January 2025 and photo ID will be required for that.
Why do I need photo ID?
The government says it will stop votes being stolen, although this is quite unusual in the UK. The NPC was opposed to the introduction of Voter ID, as we believe it disenfranchises many people, and impacts more on those from marginalised communities, who may be unable to get the required ID.
In the past 5 years, there is no evidence of large-scale electoral fraud.
Of the 1,462 cases of alleged electoral fraud reported to police between 2019 and 2023, 10 led to convictions and the police issued 4 cautions. Most cases either resulted in the police taking no further action or were locally resolved by the police issuing words of advice.
Register to Vote
If you aren't registered to vote, you can find out how to register on the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/register-vote-and-update-your-details
You can also contact the Electoral Commission by phone on 020 7271 0500 / 0333 103 1928. Or you can contact your local council.
The deadline to register to vote for the elections on Thursday 2 May is 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April.
Accepted Forms of ID
There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including:
passports
driving licences
Older or Disabled Person's bus passes
Oyster 60+ cards
You can use out-of-date photo ID as long as you look the same. A full list can be found on: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID?
Anyone registered to vote without the correct ID - or who no longer looks like their photo - can apply for a free document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
You can find out about Voter Authority Certificate on: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the elections on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.