Voter ID

Remember to take ID!

Voters need to show photo ID at all elections when they vote at a polling station. The name on your photo ID should be the same as the name you use to register to vote.

Voter ID was introduced by legislation in the Elections Act 2022. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, how to apply for free ID if they need it and other options for voting.
 
 If you do not bring your ID to the polling station, you will not be able to vote. You will not be issued a ballot paper without it, and would need to return with an accepted form of photo identification.
 
 The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of ID. These have been decided by the UK Government. You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. 

You can use any of the following:

• A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
• A driving licence (including provisional) issued by the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
• Blue badge
• Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an Older Person’s Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card
• Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Biometric Immigration document
• Defence identity card
• Certain national identity cards

For the full list of accepted forms of ID please visit the Electoral Commission website.

You will only need to show one form of ID, but it must be original as copies cannot be accepted.
 You will be able to use expired photo ID if you are still recognisable from the photo

If You Don’t Have Any Form of Acceptable Photo ID

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online here or by submitting a paper form to the Elections Office at Dukinfield Town Hall, King Street, Dukinfield, SK16 4LA. Paper forms can be obtained here. Those that already have an accepted form of ID do not need to apply. To apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.

Should you need any help completing the online form or require assistance please call our customer services team 0161 342 8355. You can also use one of our local library computers to apply, these are fitted with cameras and blank backgrounds are available should you need one. Please speak to a member of our library team if you require assistance.

Other ways to vote – Postal and Proxy Votes

If you would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, the proxy voter will be required to show their photo ID at the polling station.