Here is the news from Wychavon District Council.
Wychavon residents will need photo ID to vote at elections in May
Residents are being urged to check they have an accepted form of photo ID ahead of polling day on Thursday, 4 May 2023 to make sure they can cast their vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at a polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which was passed last year, and comes into effect for the first time this May.
There are many accepted forms of ID including a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport, a UK or EEA drivers’ licence, a blue badge or an older person’s bus pass. The full list of accepted photo ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Voters will be able to use out of date ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. These can be applied for by following the links at www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections. The deadline to apply for the Wychavon District Council and town and parish council elections is 5pm on 25 April 2023, but residents are being urged to apply early if they need to.
People will need to be registered to vote first before they apply. This can be done online following the links on Wychavon’s elections page.
Vic Allison, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Wychavon District Council, said: “Residents will be electing a whole new Council in May as well as representatives on town and parish councils across the district.
“Although it may seem a long way away, I urge people to check now they have the required form of photo ID to make sure they can vote in May. If you haven’t, then please apply for a Voter Authority Certificate early to make sure you don’t miss out on making your voice heard through the ballot box.
“If you need help understanding the new requirement for photo ID or applying for a Voter Authority Certificate then please contact our elections team.”
This year’s Wychavon District Council election will be the first held under new ward boundaries, which means the name of the electoral ward people live in or where they usually go to vote may change.
Poll cards will be issued towards the end of March. Residents are urged to check them for the location of their polling station and more information on the photo ID requirement.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/elections for more information or contact the elections team by emailing elections@wychavon.gov.uk or call 01386 565437.