Don’t forget your voter photo ID

Remember you will need photo ID to vote in the general election on Thursday 4 July. 

Those voting by post are urged to complete and return their postal ballots as promptly as possible. 

Voters will need to show acceptable photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.

The deadline to apply for  free voter ID is 5 pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. 

At polling stations, voters will be required to present photo ID, for it to be checked by polling station staff.

A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private.

Craig Westwood, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “Anyone voting in the general election will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station, double check you have the right identification with you to enable you to vote. 

“If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close and cast your vote.”

Rob Polkinghorne, Returning Officer for Cheshire East, said: “With only days to go, make sure you’re ready for the general election on the 4 July. Before heading to the polling station on election day, check that you’ve got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you. If you need any help, you can email our electoral services team at: electoral.information@cheshireeast.gov.uk or ring 0300 123 5016.

“If a voter has concerns about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, they can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won’t need to give a reason for their request or explain why they’d prefer privacy. 

“Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy.”

The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.