Since May 2023, voters in the United Kingdom have been asked to show photo ID at elections local ballot box.
The demand is based on recommendations from a 2016 report by Lord Pickles, the former community secretary, which warned there was a risk of “significant abuse” in the electoral system if people were allowed to vote under false pretenses with little risk on discovery.
Here, The Telegraph explains everything you need to know about the rules that apply general elections of the yearwhich will take place on July 4.
What are the requirements for voter identification?
Anyone wishing to vote in Britain must provide photo ID to participate in certain elections.
For voters in England, Scotland and Wales, this includes UK parliamentary elections, by-elections and recall petitions. The one in England too need their ID for local elections.
The requirement does not apply to Holyrood, Senedd or council elections in Scotland and Wales. People in Northern Ireland already required photo ID to vote, so the rule change will not affect them.
Voters in both England and Wales also require ID for police and crime commissioner elections.
The rule has been applied in phases, starting with local elections in England on May 4, 2023. general election will mark the first time an ID will be required for a national poll.
The change marks a significant departure from the previous system in most of Britain, where voters only had to verbally confirm their name and address.
What types of IDs are accepted?
Voters are required to show one photo ID at the polls, and it does not have to be dated as long as it is recognizable as the person standing at the polls.
However, it must be the original version – not a photocopy – and the name on the ID must be the same as that on the electoral register.
Acceptable forms of voter ID Are:
- Passport issued by the United Kingdom, one of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA State or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish passport card)
- Full or provisional driving license issued by the United Kingdom, one of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
- A blue badge
- Any ID card with the Pass (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram.
One of the following travel passes:
- Bus pass for the elderly financed by the government
- Bus pass for the disabled, financed by the government
- Oyster 60+ card funded by the government
- Freedom pass
- Scottish National Access Card issued for discounted travel (includes a bus pass for over 60s, disabled or under 22s)
- 60 years and over Welsh travel card with concession
- Welsh Disabled Travel Card
- Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPass or SmartPass for the Blind issued in Northern Ireland
- Wartime shutdown SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Half-rate SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
Any of these government-issued documents:
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defense Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Electoral identity card issued in Northern Ireland
- Certificate of Voter Eligibility
- Anonymous voter document
Do the rules apply to voting by mail?
No. You do not need any form of photo ID to vote by mail.
However, when you apply to verify your identity, you will be asked to provide your National Insurance (NI) number. If you can't do this, you need to explain why.
How can I get a voter ID card?
You can request a free Certificate of Voter Authority (VAC) online or by mail. To complete an online application you will need a recent digital photograph of yourself and your NI number.
You can still apply if you don't have an NI number, but you will need to provide alternative documents as proof of identity, such as your birth certificate, a bank statement or a utility bill.
To apply by post, you must complete a form and send it to your local electoral registration office.
You will need the address where you are registered to vote, a recent photograph of yourself and your NI number.
Again, other supporting documents are accepted, but their use may prolong the application process.
The electoral registration office must receive your form no later than 5:00 PM, six working days before the election you wish to vote for.
If you wish to apply by post and live abroad, are a member of the armed forces, a civil servant or employee of the British Council, you will need to complete a different form.
What should I do if I don't have a valid ID?
Anyone without an ID that meets the requirements can apply for a VAC.
This is not a substitute for registering to vote, which must be done prior to each application.
Why was Voter ID introduced?
The goal was to eradicate voter fraud by forcing people to prove their identity at the ballot box.
In his government-commissioned report, Lord Pickles warned that authorities were in a “state of denial” and “turning a blind eye” to the problem of election fraud.
Why is voter ID so controversial?
The government has said the change is necessary to curb the “unforgivable potential” for “stealing someone's vote” by simply putting their name and address in the ballot box.
However, critics say factual claims of election fraud are very rare in Britain.
In 2019, the final year of the general election, there were just 33 allegations of polling station impersonation, out of a total of more than 58 million votes cast, according to the Electoral Reform Society.
Opponents of the rule have also warned that this will make it harder for certain people to vote, including disabled people, transgender and non-binary people, and black and minority ethnic groups.