Deadline looming to get your photo ID ready for local elections in May

With local elections just around the corner, voters are reminded that they will need to show an approved form of photo ID when they go to the polling stations on 2 May to elect councillors for Dorset Council as well as Town and Parish Councils.

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 24 April (5pm) to be processed in time for the 2 May elections.

The Police and Crime Commissioner elections also takes place on the same day.

Following the Elections Act 2022, photographic identification is a mandatory requirement for everyone voting at polling stations.

Residents will also need it to vote at general elections,expected to be called sometime this year.

Various forms of photo ID are accepted, including a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass, a blue badge or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. The full list of accepted ID can be found here.

Residents can use an expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness.

For those without accepted photo ID, a free Voter Authority Certificate can be obtained online. The Voter Authority Certificate is valid for 10 years and is valid for all elections.

If you need further guidance, or a paper copy, you can also contact the Electoral services team on:

Email: elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
 Tel: 01305 838299

Jonathan Mair, Director of Legal and Democratic at Dorset Council, said:

“With elections taking place in Dorset on 2 May 2024, it is important that people who want to vote at polling stations have an accepted form of ID.

“We want everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote and we urge people to remember to take their photo ID with them when they go to their polling station, or if they don’t have one, apply now for a free Voter Authority Certificate.”