Voter ID

Voters across England will need to show photo ID to vote in person in a polling station, following new requirements introduced by the Elections Act. 

If you do not have any of the acceptable forms of photographic ID listed, you will be able to apply online (via the Government's portal), by post (Voter Authority Certificate Application Form) or in person, for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) to allow an elector to vote in the polling station.  

Requirements to show photographic ID in the polling station will apply in the following polls:   

  • UK Parliamentary General Elections    
  • Local Elections    
  • Local Referendums   
  • Police and Crime Commissioner Elections   
  • Recall Petitions 

Voter ID BSL videos

The Electoral Commission YouTube channel features four BSL videos regarding Voter ID. Follow the links listed to watch these videos.

How do I register to vote?

This first BSL video gives more detail of suitable Voter ID, what the Voter Authority Certificate is, how to register to vote and the deadlines for doing so.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

In this video you are given more detail of what ID you can use or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.  

Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

The third video explains what you can do if you don't have an accepted form of ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, what information you need, what to expect and how our Electoral Services team can help. 

What will happen at the polling station? 

Video four explains what to expect when you visit the polling station to vote, including how your ID will be checked, and also other ways to vote, like postal or proxy voting, and the deadlines for applying to vote in those ways. 

More information on Voter ID is available on The Electoral Commissions' website.