On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across England. To vote at a polling station, you will need to bring photo ID.
Voter ID requirement
From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.
This will apply to:
- Local elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
- UK parliamentary by-elections
- Recall petitions
From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.
If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
Voting and bringing ID
Register to vote
All you need to register to vote is 5 minutes and your National Insurance number. Make sure you register to vote before the deadline for the elections in May.
Accepted forms of photo ID
Learn about the different types of photo ID that will be accepted at elections that require photo ID
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
Learn more about how to apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate
Voting in person
Voting in person on polling day? Learn more about what to expect when you go to the polling station.
Apply to vote by post
Can’t get to the polling station on polling day? Apply to vote by post by downloading and completing the application form.
Apply to vote by proxy
Can’t get to the polling station on polling day? Ask a trusted person to vote on your behalf and apply for a proxy vote.