Review May 4th and Remember Your Photo ID – Latest News – News Updates

Posted: Wed April 26th 2023

Charnwood voters are encouraged to have their say in the local elections on Thursday, May 4.

Additionally, those going to a polling station are also advised to remember to bring their photo ID.

The UK government has introduced the new requirement which means voters in England will need to present an acceptable form of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

Accepted forms of identification include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driving licence; and some discounted travel passes, such as a seniors’ bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognizable in the photo.

Individuals should check the list of accepted IDs carefully, as some forms of photo ID, such as employer-issued security passes, will not be accepted.

Voters must also ensure that the photo ID is the original. A photocopy or photo of photo ID taken with a mobile phone will not be accepted.

A list of accepted IDs is available on the councils website, along with more information on the new requirement and frequently asked questions. For more information visit charnwood.gov.uk/VoterID

Charnwood Borough Council has 52 councilors in 24 wards and all seats are up for election this year. There are also elections for some town and parish councils in Charnwood.

Rob Mitchell, returning officer at Charnwood Borough Council, said: I would encourage people to use their vote and have a say in how local government services are delivered in Charnwood.

For the first time, voters must ensure they take an appropriate form of photo ID when going to the polling station to vote. Set a reminder on your phone or add a sticky note to your voting card to remember your photo ID.

About 70 polling stations with more than 280 people will be open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on May 4 for people to vote. Your voter card will tell you which polling station you should vote at and provide you with a list of the types of photo ID that may be accepted.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.

There are 133,023 people registered to vote in Charnwood.

The deadline to register to vote in local elections has now passed, so if you are not registered you will not be able to vote on May 4.

You can register to vote in the upcoming elections by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote

Applications for Election Authority Certificates, a free photo ID that can only be used for elections, have also been closed. Residents without proper photo ID could apply for free photo ID since January.

Votes will be counted on Friday May 5 and the results announced on the councils’ website, charnwood.gov.uk/elections23, and on social media, follow @CharnwoodBC and the hashtag #CharnElects23.

You can also keep up to date with the latest local election news and updates by signing up for the Council’s free newsletters. Visit charnwood.gov.uk/alerts for more information and to sign up.