From 4th May 2023, all electors who vote in a polling station will be required to show photographic identification before a ballot paper can be issued to them.
The Isle of Wight council does not have any planned elections on 4th May, but, nonetheless, residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in any future elections and by-elections – including town and parish council elections – by checking they have an accepted form of photographic ID.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport;
- a UK or EEA drivers’ licence;
- 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.
Register for free photo ID
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online or by completing a paper form.
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 to apply for the free ID, on the Website.
Shand: Checking now means you will be ready to vote at any future polls
Claire Shand, the council’s Returning Officer, said,
“Even though we have no planned elections on 4th May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote in future elections and by-elections make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early, but checking now means you will be ready to vote at any future polls.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to the Isle of Wight Council’s electoral services team.
“If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team via electoral.services@iow,gov,uk.
“For further information, visit the Website or call (01983) 823380.”
Register today
Anyone who wants to have their say in elections must also be registered to vote.
It only takes five minutes to register online. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: bagelmouse under CC BY 2.0
