New voter photo ID rules

Voters are now required to show photo ID at polling stations.

On Thursday 4 May, a local election will be held to elect councillors to Woking Borough Council. 

It's vital that everybody who wants to vote can, so at the bottom of this article, you can download Easy Read information to share with anyone in your circle who needs it. 

If you are registered to vote and choose to vote in person at your allocated polling station, you’ll now be required to show photo ID. This is a new requirement introduced by the government and applies across the country for May election and future elections

What photo ID can you use?

A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including a passport, driver’s licence, identity card, blue badge, bus pass and many more. Expired photo ID will also be accepted if the photo still looks like you.

No ID? If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID certificate, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
 
You can apply for free voter ID online at www.woking.gov.uk/applyphotoID (this web address will be redirected to GOV.uk). Alternatively, you can apply in person at Woking Borough Council’s Civic Offices until 25 April 2023.

Photo ID is not required if you have chosen to vote via a postal or proxy vote – you have chosen someone to vote on your behalf.

Find out more about photo ID and the local election at www.woking.gov.uk/election2023, or call the Council’s Election Team on 01483 755 855.

Are you registered to vote?

Voting in elections is one of the most effective ways of making sure your voice is heard by decision-makers within your community.

To be eligible to vote, you must be registered to vote. Register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before 17 April.