Free voter ID applications open

Applications are now open for a new form of free ID that can be used at elections. Ahead of a new voter ID requirement, the UK Government has opened an online portal for the ID, known as the Voter Authority Certificate, for voters that do not already have an accepted form of photo ID.

Applications can be submitted through the online portal at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by submitting a paper form to the Warwick District Council Election Team at [email protected]. Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driver’s licence; and 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 requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

With local elections taking place in Warwick District on 4 May, voters will need to show ID at the polling station to receive a ballot paper. For those that do not have an accepted form of ID, the deadline to apply for free ID before the May elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number, and a photograph with their application.