Photo ID needed at May elections under new, national Voter legislation

Voters across Sefton are being reminded of the need for valid photo ID if they wish to vote in person at the upcoming May election.

Everyone wanting to cast their vote at a polling station in Mays local elections will be required to show valid photographic identification following new legislation via the Elections Act 2022.

If they have them, people can use a driving licence or passport as photo ID at a polling station but if they don’t have these or one of the other accepted documents, they can get a free Voter Authority Certificate online.

Acceptable
However while there are over 20 different forms of acceptable ID, there are still a number of identification cards which polling staff can't accept.

Voters in Sefton will, for example, not be able to use their Merseytravel 60+ card as it is not classed as an acceptable form of ID.

Information on what is required and how to apply, along with details of registering to vote and getting a postal vote can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/voterid.

Voters who do not want to vote in person at a polling station can apply to cast their vote by post.

Deadlines
Anyone without a valid photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate up to six working days (5.00pm on Tuesday 25th April 2023).

The cut-off date for registering to vote is midnight on Monday 17th April 2023, and the deadline for receipt of all postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 18th April 2023.”

More information about the upcoming elections and rule changes  - including how to register to vote by post or by proxy can be found at visit the Sefton Council website.