Answers to frequently asked questions on voter ID requirements.
Voters across England now need to show photo ID to vote in person in a polling station, following requirements introduced by the Elections Act. A new form of free ID, the Voter Authority Certificate, is available for those who do not have another type of accepted ID.
Voters need to show photo ID before voting in local council elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and in parliamentary elections before being issued with a ballot paper.
Which forms of ID are acceptable?
Accepted forms of ID include:
a 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
a driving licence, including provisional licenses issued by the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
some concessionary travel pass, such as an Older Person's Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card
What will happen if a voter goes to the polling station with no accepted identification?
If a voter turns up at a polling station with no accepted photo identification, they will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo identification in order to vote.
What if a voter does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID?
We are working to ensure that anyone without an accepted form of ID is aware of the free photo ID available and understands how to apply for it.
The Electoral Commission is running a national public awareness campaign, which we are supporting through engagement with our network of local residents and service users.
How can someone apply for a free photo ID?
Voters can apply for free photographic voter ID online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing and posting a paper form to the Electoral Services team. We will accept applications in person but please contact us first on 01635 519464 to arrange a convenient time so that we can ensure someone is available to help. Voters will need to provide a photograph, their date of birth and National Insurance number as part of the application. We can help with taking a photo if required, as long as you arrange an appointment to attend our office. Further resources on how to apply can be found at:
What if a voter doesn't want to show ID to anyone in public?
We are providing privacy screens in all of our polling stations so that anyone who wants to show their ID to the polling station staff in private can do so. Just ask the staff for this and they will arrange it. You do not need to give a reason for a private ID check.
Voters can apply for a proxy or postal vote instead of attending a polling station. Photo ID isn't required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, a voters proxy is required to show their photo ID at the polling station.
What happens if I lose my ID document before the election or have it stolen?
If your photo ID document is lost, damaged or stolen then you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at any time up to 5pm, six working days before polling day. If it is lost, damaged or stolen after that time then you can apply for an emergency proxy vote (where someone else votes at the polling station on your behalf using their own photo ID) up to 5pm on election day. Contact us on 01635 519464 or email vote@westberks.gov.uk for more information.
How does this impact voting by post or proxy?
Voters do not need to show photo ID in order to apply by post or proxy. Although the proxy will need to show their photo ID at the polling station.
Do voters need to show ID if they are dropping off postal votes into the polling station?
No, the photo ID requirement is only for electors who vote in polling stations. You can still drop your completed postal vote into your station without needing to show any ID but you will be required to complete a declaration when you do so. You can hand in up to five postal votes, plus your own.
Will voter ID disenfranchise people?
We are working to ensure people are aware of the change, understand which forms of ID are accepted, and for those without, how and when to apply for free ID. Our aim is to support those who wish to vote to do so successfully and with confidence.
Easy read guide to applying for a Voter Authority Certificate [1MB] 
