From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

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

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

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

People who do not have an accepted photo ID canapply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applicants will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a recent digital photo of themselves.

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.

Nick Graham, Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Legal & Democratic Services and Returning Officer, said:

“Although we don’t have local elections in Buckinghamshire this May, you will need to show accepted photo ID to vote in polling stations in any upcoming local referendums and elections, and for national elections from 4 May."

“If you haven’t done so already, I’d encourage you to make sure you are registered to vote. The easiest way to register to vote is by visitingGOV.UK.

“For anyone who doesn’t already have accepted photo ID for voting at polling stations, then I’d ask them to apply for afree Voter Authority Certificate.”

Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day by visiting theElectoral Commission website.