Council reminds residents of new photo ID requirements for local and national elections

30/04/2024

Buckinghamshire Council is reminding residents that to vote in upcoming elections in England they will need to show a valid photo ID at polling stations.

This will apply to:

  • Local elections
  • UK General elections
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections
  • UK parliamentary by-elections
  • Recall petitions

The Electoral Commission’s website lists the accepted forms of photo ID.

A photo ID will be required to vote at a polling station for the Police and Crime Commissioner election on Thursday 2 May.

For people registered to vote by post, no photo ID will be required. This is because postal voting requires other identification checks, such as signature and date of birth verification.

Sarah Ashmead, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Chief Executive and Returning Officer, said:

“You will need to show an accepted form of photo ID for the Police and Crime Commissioner election on 2 May 2024, the next General Election and any upcoming local referendums and elections.

“If you haven’t done so already, I’d encourage you to make sure that you are registered to vote. The easiest way to do this is by visiting GOV.UK.”

Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID and what to expect on polling day by visiting Buckinghamshire Council's website.

The council is urging residents to share this information with friends and relatives who may be unaware of these voter ID changes or need assistance with applying for the necessary documents. Booklets containing relevant information are also available at Buckinghamshire libraries.