On Thursday 4 May 2023 local elections are taking place in Bath and North East Somerset. Changes to legislation mean that voters will need to show photo ID when voting in person at a polling station.
Types of photo ID that will be accepted
A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passport, photocard driving licence, blue badge, older person’s bus pass and disabled person’s bus pass.
The full list of accepted forms of photo ID can be found at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or by calling 0800 328 0280
You can still use your photo ID even if it has expired, providing that the name is the same as on the electoral register and the photo is recognisably you.
What to do if you don’t have photo ID
Voters who don’t have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper application form. You can also apply in person at B&NES Council One-Stop-Shops in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.
To apply for the certificate you need to provide a passport-style photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which you are registered to vote and your National Insurance number. If you are applying in person at the council offices, staff will be able to take a photograph to accompany your application.
The deadline to apply for a certificate for the May elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. The requirement to show photo ID only applies to people voting in person at a polling station. If you vote by post, you will not need to provide photo ID.
Find out more
To request a paper form to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, or to check if you are registered to vote please contact B&NES Council by calling 01225 477333 or emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk
The deadline to register to vote for the May elections is Monday 17 April 2023.
More information on Voter ID is available on the council’s website.