For the first time, residents in the Borough of Havant will need to show photo ID to vote in polling stations at this year’s local elections.
This new requirement was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act 2022 which was passed last year and comes into force for the first time at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- A Passport (UK, European Economic Area or Commonwealth)
- A drivers' licence (UK, European Economic Area or Commonwealth)
- A concessionary travel pass, such as an older person's bus pass
Voters will be able to use expired ID if the photo is still a good likeness and they are recognisable.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for
or by submitting a paper application to the council’s electoral services team.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how and when to apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said:
“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free voter authority certificate should first make sure they are registered to vote.
A summary of this information can be found on our special election webpage here
Residents unable to use the online form can request a paper version by calling our Election Office on 023 9244 6225 or by emailing elections.office@havant.gov.uk (you will still need to be registered to vote beforehand, but we can help to register people unable to do this online themselves).