This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-64877005

The article has changed 41 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 22 Version 23
What photo ID do you need to vote in local elections? What photo ID do you need to vote in local elections?
(about 5 hours later)
People need to show photo ID at polling stations when they vote in the local elections on Thursday 2 May.People need to show photo ID at polling stations when they vote in the local elections on Thursday 2 May.
What elections are taking place on Thursday 2 May?What elections are taking place on Thursday 2 May?
Elections are taking place in 107 local authorities across England.Elections are taking place in 107 local authorities across England.
Voters will also choose the Mayor of London, London Assembly members and 10 other mayors.Voters will also choose the Mayor of London, London Assembly members and 10 other mayors.
In addition, voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).In addition, voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).
A by-election will select the new MP for Blackpool South after the resignation of former Conservative MP Scott Benton.A by-election will select the new MP for Blackpool South after the resignation of former Conservative MP Scott Benton.
No elections are being held in Scotland or Northern Ireland.No elections are being held in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
When are the May local elections, and who can vote?When are the May local elections, and who can vote?
Is there an election in my area?Is there an election in my area?
LIVE: Polling stations open for local elections LIVE: The latest on the local elections
What are the voter ID rules?What are the voter ID rules?
Since May 2023, voters have had to show a valid form of photo ID at polling stations to vote in person at most elections.Since May 2023, voters have had to show a valid form of photo ID at polling stations to vote in person at most elections.
The rules apply to:The rules apply to:
all local elections in England, including those for mayors and the London Assemblyall local elections in England, including those for mayors and the London Assembly
all local referendums and parliamentary by-elections in Englandall local referendums and parliamentary by-elections in England
police and crime commissioner elections in England and Walespolice and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales
UK general electionsUK general elections
There is no need to show ID if voting:There is no need to show ID if voting:
by postby post
for the Scottish or Welsh Parliamentfor the Scottish or Welsh Parliament
in local elections in Scotland or Walesin local elections in Scotland or Wales
Voters in Northern Ireland have had to show photo ID or since 2003.Voters in Northern Ireland have had to show photo ID or since 2003.
What documents can you use as photo ID?What documents can you use as photo ID?
There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including:There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including:
passportspassports
driving licencesdriving licences
Older or Disabled Person's bus passesOlder or Disabled Person's bus passes
Oyster 60+ cardsOyster 60+ cards
You can use out-of-date photo ID as long as you look the same.You can use out-of-date photo ID as long as you look the same.
If you wear a face covering, such as a medical mask or a veil worn on religious grounds, you will be asked to remove it briefly so polling station staff can check your ID looks like you.If you wear a face covering, such as a medical mask or a veil worn on religious grounds, you will be asked to remove it briefly so polling station staff can check your ID looks like you.
What if you don't have an acceptable form of ID?What if you don't have an acceptable form of ID?
You can exchange a paper driving licence for a photocard, or apply for a photocard travel pass if you're aged 60 or over, disabled, or registered blind or partially sighted.You can exchange a paper driving licence for a photocard, or apply for a photocard travel pass if you're aged 60 or over, disabled, or registered blind or partially sighted.
Alternatively, anyone registered to vote without the correct ID - or who no longer looks like their photo - can apply for a free document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.Alternatively, anyone registered to vote without the correct ID - or who no longer looks like their photo - can apply for a free document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
It is too late to get a certificate before the 2 May local elections.It is too late to get a certificate before the 2 May local elections.
However, if you do not have valid photo ID or it has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can still apply for an emergency proxy vote.However, if you do not have valid photo ID or it has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can still apply for an emergency proxy vote.
Contact the electoral services team at your local council before 17:00 BST on polling day.Contact the electoral services team at your local council before 17:00 BST on polling day.
What happens if you cannot show valid ID at the polling station?What happens if you cannot show valid ID at the polling station?
If you go to the polling station on Thursday 2 May without the correct ID, you will be asked to come back with valid documentation.If you go to the polling station on Thursday 2 May without the correct ID, you will be asked to come back with valid documentation.
If you think your ID has been wrongly rejected, the Electoral Commission says you should notify the presiding officer at the polling station. If this does not resolve the issue, you can raise your concerns with your council's returning officer.If you think your ID has been wrongly rejected, the Electoral Commission says you should notify the presiding officer at the polling station. If this does not resolve the issue, you can raise your concerns with your council's returning officer.
Polling station staff record how many voters are turned away, as well as the number who return with valid ID.Polling station staff record how many voters are turned away, as well as the number who return with valid ID.
According to the commission about 14,000 people were unable to vote in the May 2023 local elections in England as a result of the new rules.According to the commission about 14,000 people were unable to vote in the May 2023 local elections in England as a result of the new rules.
Why do voters need photo ID?Why do voters need photo ID?
The government said it would stop votes being stolen, although this is quite unusual in the UK.The government said it would stop votes being stolen, although this is quite unusual in the UK.
There were 1,462 cases of alleged electoral fraud reported to police between 2019 and 2023, according to the Electoral Commission.There were 1,462 cases of alleged electoral fraud reported to police between 2019 and 2023, according to the Electoral Commission.
Of these, 10 led to convictions and the police issued four cautions. Most resulted in the police taking no further action.Of these, 10 led to convictions and the police issued four cautions. Most resulted in the police taking no further action.
Can I take a selfie at a polling station?Can I take a selfie at a polling station?
The Electoral Commission has called on the government to expand the list of accepted ID and to allow voters to cast their ballot without ID if another registered voter could vouch for their identity.The Electoral Commission has called on the government to expand the list of accepted ID and to allow voters to cast their ballot without ID if another registered voter could vouch for their identity.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
England and Wales elections 2024England and Wales elections 2024
UK governmentUK government
Electoral CommissionElectoral Commission
Local governmentLocal government