Need to Know

Make Your Vote – Hear Your Voice by Civic reporter

Are you ready to make your voice heard in the upcoming elections? Voting is a right and a responsibility that you should not take lightly. It is your chance to
choose who will represent you and your community in the UK parliament and local councils. But before you can vote, you need to register and make sure you
have the right photo ID.
The Elections Act 2022 has changed the rules for voting in person at polling stations. Now, you need to show a valid photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate to cast your ballot. This is to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the elections.
If you don’t have a photo ID, don’t worry. You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or by post. This is a
special document that proves your identity and eligibility to vote. You can use it only for voting purposes, not for anything else.
The accepted forms of photo ID are:

  • Passport issued by the UK, any of the
    Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British
    Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a
    Commonwealth country (including an
    Irish Passport Card)
  • Driving licence issued by the UK, any of
    the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or
    an EEA state (this includes a provisional
    driving licence)
  • A Blue Badge
  • Older Person’s Bus Pass
  • Disabled Persons Bus Pass
  • Oyster 60+
  • Freedom Pass
  • Proof of age
  • Identity card bearing the Proof of Age
    Standards Scheme hologram ( a Pass
    card)
    Other government issued documents.
  • Biometric immigration document
  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence
    Identity card issued by an EEA state)
  • Electoral identity Card issued in
    Northern Ireland
    Don’t miss this opportunity to have your say on who governs your country and your area. Register to vote and apply for your Voter Authority Certificate today.
  • Remember, your vote matters