Voters now need to show photo identification to vote at polling stations in some elections.
The legislation comes into force for General Elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, due to be held in May next year.
It means anyone wishing to vote at a polling station in these elections will need to show photo ID – such as a passport, driving licence or bus pass – before casting their ballot. Find out what counts as acceptable photo ID. Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online. You can get help from any Torfaen library.
Caroline Genever-Jones, Torfaen Council’s Elections and Business Manager, said: “The introduction of voter ID will not be a significant change for most – it will just be a case of remembering to take it with you when you go to vote. But young voters who have yet to apply for a driving licence or passport, and older voters, who no longer drive or use the bus, may not have an acceptable form of photo ID. Anyone without photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online or contact our team for help.
“You will need to upload or supply a photograph with your application. Please remember to submit a passport-style photo, so a colour head and shoulders shot, taken against a plain, light background, with nothing covering your face unless it is for religious reasons.”
People who vote by post will not need to supply photo ID. The new legislation will not apply to Senedd or local elections in Wales. You will need to be registered to vote to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. To register, visit Register to vote. In Wales, anyone aged over 16 can vote in Senedd and local council elections and can register from the age of 14. For information about acceptable forms of voter ID and to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, visit the Electoral Commission website.