Voters urged to check they have acceptable photo ID for elections
For the first time, residents will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year's local elections.
There will be full district and parish elections in Uttlesford on Thursday 4 May and residents are reminded to ensure they have an accepted form of photo ID for voting at their polling station.
This includes a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
People who do not already have any form of accepted ID can apply for a free voter ID document - called a Voter Authority Certificate. Applications can be submitted via the government website, or by requesting a paper form from Uttlesford District Council.
The deadline to apply for a certificate before the May elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
Peter Holt, Returning Officer at Uttlesford District Council, said: "With elections taking place in Uttlesford on 4 May, 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.
"The vast majority of people will already have the ID they need - those voters only need to remember to bring it with them on polling day. However, anyone who doesn't currently have photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our elections team."
The full list of accepted ID is available on our local elections webpage, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate.
Anyone who needs help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or wants to request an application form should contact the council's Elections team by emailing elections@uttlesford.gov.uk or calling 01799 510510.
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 for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the government's Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.
27 January 2023