Got ID?: New rules for voting in elections

The Elections Act 2022 passed by the UK Parliament means that voters will need photo ID to vote at polling stations. Until this change, voters were able to turn up and give their name and address vote.

From 4th May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in:

  • Local elections
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections
  • Parliament by-elections
  • Recall petitions

From October 2023, it will also apply to UK General Elections.

There has been criticism about this change, with opponents arguing that it will disenfranchise voters, particularly those on lower incomes who may not be able to afford a passport or drivers license. The list of accepted forms of photo ID include multiple alternative forms of ID for older people such as Oyster 60+ cards and freedom passes, but does not include 18+ Oyster cards.

The Electoral Commission is currently running a campaign raising awareness about the change requiring photo ID to vote in person, including alternatives to traditional photo ID.

If a voter does not have photo ID, they can apply for a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ which requires a passport-style photo to accompany it. There is also an ‘Anonymous Elector’s Document’ which allows someone to show ID as an anonymous elector.

The Electoral Commission has also published a series of resources for specific groups of people to support them in being able to register to vote including: the GRT Community, Older people, People Experiencing Homelessness, People Who Are Registered to Vote Anonymously, and Trans and Non-Binary People.

If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, you can register here.

BASW will continue to promote elections that are taking place in May 2023, and provide information on how eligible BASW members can engage in their civic duties.

If you have any questions, please contact Kerri.Prince@basw.co.uk