The government has introduced rules that require voters to show photographic identification at polling stations when they vote.
The rules came into effect from 4 May 2023, but this May’s local elections will be the first time they will take effect in Oxford.
Elections for Oxford City Council and for the Police & Crime Commissioner are taking place on 2 May.
What counts as a photo ID?
The 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 can apply for a free ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), online at the Voter Authority Certificate website or by completing a paper form - contact the Council's electoral services team at elections@oxford.gov.uk.
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 needing a VAC is encouraged to apply soon and not leave it until the last minute to make sure that the certificates can be issued in plenty of time. For more details visit 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.
The deadline for applying for a VAC for the 2 May election is 24 April.
Those using a postal vote do not need photo ID or a VAC.
Comment
“We don’t want anyone to risk losing their right to vote. This may be the first time many people will need photo ID to vote and we want to make sure that they know about it and are ready for the change.
“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.
“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”
Caroline Green, Returning Officer, Oxford City Council
For more information about elections in Oxford visit the Council’s Elections and Voting webpage.
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