The Government is bringing in new rules that will require voters to bring photo ID to polling stations when they vote. The rules become effective from 4 May 2023.
By-elections in March
Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council each have a by-election taking place on 2 March, for the Littlemore Ward (City) and the Rose Hill and Littlemore Ward (County). As these take place before the new rules come into force, on 4 May, they will not apply to either.
Neither Oxford City Council nor Oxfordshire County Council have any scheduled elections until May 2024, but should there be a by-election after 4 May 2023, it will be held under the new rules.
The changes
For the first time, residents will need to show photographic ID to vote at elections. The City Council is urging residents to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID. These include:
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
- some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.
Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, online or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID.
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
Anyone not in possession of an accepted photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). Anyone needing a VAC is encouraged to apply soon and not leave it until an election is announced to make sure that the certificates can be issued in plenty of time by visiting the government’s Voter Authority Certificate website. Voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.
Voters wishing to apply for a VAC should first make sure they are registered to vote. Those not registered can do so on the Register to vote pages of GOV.UK.
Comment
“We don’t want anyone to risk losing their right to vote so, although we have no scheduled elections this year, we want to make sure everyone is ready for the changes when we do.
“The changes mean that voters will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.
“Residents who don’t have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Oxford City Council’s electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team at elections@oxford.gov.uk
“I want to reiterate though – the new rules will not apply to the two by-elections that are taking place on 2 March.”
Susan Sale, Returning Officer at Oxford City Council
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