Register and verify your photo ID for the May elections

For the first time, residents of Plymouth will be required to show photo ID to vote in person in this year’s local elections to be held on May 4.

Accepted forms of identification include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving licence; some discounted travel passes, such as a senior citizens bus pass and a blue badge.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of identification can now request Free Online Electoral Authority Certificate or by completing a paper form available from the Council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25, 2023.

Anyone wishing to vote in the local elections in May must register to vote by April 17, 2023. If you are not already registered, online registration only takes five minutes. Voters wishing to apply to their council for a free ID card must first ensure that they are registered to vote.

The key dates to remember are:

• Deadline to register to vote: April 17, 2023
• Deadline to apply or modify a postal vote: April 18, 2023
• Deadline to request a voter identification certificate: April 25, 2023
• Deadline to request a proxy vote: April 25, 2023

More information about registering to vote, which voter ID card will be accepted or how to apply for a free Election Authority Certificate can be found on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone who cannot visit the Council’s website or apply for an Election Authority Certificate online can contact the Council by calling 01752 304866 or emailing: [email protected]

Plymouth returning officer Tracey Lee said: Anyone voting at a polling station in England in May will need to show photo ID before they can receive their ballot. It’s important for everyone to understand what types of ID they can use and how to request free ID if they need one.

With the election taking place in Plymouth on 4th May 2023, it is important that those wishing to vote ensure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of identification. It may seem early, but checking now means you’ll be ready to vote in May.

Residents who do not have one of the accepted IDs can apply for a free ID online or by completing a paper application form available by calling 01752 304866.

Voters will be able to use an expired ID as long as the photo remains sufficiently like the voter and the name on the ID is the same as the one that appears on the voter register.

Changes not affect mail-in votes, but affect proxy voters who will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on someone else’s behalf.