Elections May 2023 - Parishes asked to promote the need for photo ID to voters

Election authorities are asking parish and town councils to help promote the new statutory requirement for voters to provide photo ID when voting in person. There is fear that the new arrangements are not yet widely known, and there are fears of chaos and anger at polling stations across the country when people are inevitably turned away.

The requirements will be on polling cards, but the easiest way to avoid the potential longer queues and need for photo ID is to register for a postal vote.

Full details of the requirements can be found here: How to vote : Photo ID you'll need - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If people have none of the photo ID listed then they can request a special Voter Authority Certificate from the election authority, but they should do this ASAP. They can also apply for one online, here: Apply for photo ID to vote (called a 'Voter Authority Certificate') - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Our concern at LRALC is that there are still a huge number of people who aren't aware of this requirement, and that queues on voting day could be considerable as people without photo ID argue about their right to vote in person. Please do try and get this info shared amongst your parishioners.

For further information contact the elections team at your borough, district, or (in Rutland) the county council.