East Riding residents wishing to vote at a polling station in the local council elections in May will now have to show a form of photo identification before they can be issued with a ballot paper.
Local ward elections in the East Riding will take place on Thursday, 4 May and the new regulations have been introduced by the Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.
Now, those voters who are eligible to vote and on the electoral register and wish to attend a polling station on 4 May will have to show an approved form of photo ID, which can include:
- UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
- an older person’s bus pass or a disabled person’s bus pass
- blue badge
Voters will also be able to use expired ID as long as the photograph still bears a strong resemblance to the person.
But for people who do not have a form of photo ID from the list and who wish to vote in a polling station, they can now apply online for a free voter certificate – as long as the applicant is already registered to vote and on the electoral register.
The applicant will then be required to provide a current photo, their full name, date of birth, address for which they are registered to vote as well as their National Insurance number.
The full list of accepted ID as well as the link to the voter authority certificate can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website – www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID
But there are a number of other ways for people who are eligible, and on the electoral register, to cast their vote ahead of 4 May.
One of the easiest ways is to register for a postal vote, which means there is no need to attend a polling station and the registration form can be found on the council’s website https://eryc.link/elections2023 or by going to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
The website will also have details of how to register to vote as well as registration forms for those wishing to apply for a proxy vote too.
Caroline Lacey, returning officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said:
“With elections taking place in the East Riding on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID are acceptable and how to apply for the free ID, if required.
“If people find they do not have an accepted form of photo ID, there are alternative ways of still being able to vote in the elections. This can be done either by applying for the free ID online or by registering with the council for a postal vote.”
* For more information go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s website – www.eastriding.gov.uk/elections-and-voting
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