Standing as a candidate at a local election
Voter identification
Following the introduction of The Elections Act 2022, voters will need to show photographic identification to be able to vote in a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving licence
- some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission's website, along with more information about the new requirements, at The Electoral Commission: Voter ID.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID, or whose photo ID no longer looks like them, will be able to apply for free ID online at GOV.UK: Apply for photo ID to vote (called a 'Voter Authority Certificate') or by completing a paper form.
Candidates and their election agents are encouraged to promote the requirements in their publicity campaigns and face to face discussions with residents.
The requirement to show photographic ID does not apply to people who vote by post. For more information, see Voter ID: New requirement for voters to provide photographic identification at polling stations.