Leeds residents advised of need to have photo ID to vote at polling stations for local elections in May

For the first time, residents in Leeds will need to show photographic ID in order to vote in person at polling stations at this year’s local elections.

Following the introduction of the Elections Act which was passed by the government last year, anyone wishing to vote at a polling station will need to have a form of accepted photo ID to show to be able to vote.

This requirement comes into effect starting with the local elections in Leeds on Thursday 4 May, and will also be a requirement for all future general elections which take place after this October.

Residents are being urged to make sure they have an accepted form of ID.  These include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.  

Leeds residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply for one for free online via electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or by completing a paper form. In-person applications can also now be taken at community hubs and libraries across Leeds. This can be undertaken without the need for an appointment, but anyone wishing to apply this way will need to ensure they have their National Insurance number with them. For more information on the local support available visit www.leeds.gov.uk/your-council/elections/voter-id.

The deadline for Voter ID applications to be able to vote in person at the local elections in May is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

This new requirement currently only covers those who wish to vote in person at a polling station or through a proxy in person, it does not affect those who vote by post.

Elections Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Tom Riordan said:

“With this change coming into force at the local elections in May, we would encourage everyone who intends to vote in person at a polling station to check and make sure they have an acceptable form of ID, so they avoid the risk of having problems or being turned away on election day.

“If you don’t currently have a form of ID which will be accepted, you can apply for one for free via electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID. Applying early will help us have everything ready in time for May’s local elections. It is important to make clear this is only for those who wish to vote in person on the day, and anyone who votes by post does not need to do anything differently.”

More information about the change can be seen on the Electoral Commission’s website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID. 

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said: 

“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May 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.” 

All those wishing to vote in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Anyone wanting to apply to the council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.  

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk 

Notes to editors:

1. Local elections are taking place in Leeds on Thursday 4 May 2023
2. The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year. 
3. The legislation requires voters at polling stations to show an accepted form of photo ID before they receive their ballot paper. From May, voters will need to show photo ID before voting in local council elections in England, parliamentary by-elections, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. From October 2023, photo ID will be needed at UK parliamentary general elections. It will not be a requirement at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to Scottish parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland. 

4. To apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, 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.
5. The UK government’s Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities is responsible for the new voter ID policy and for the free voter ID application system. Enquiries relating to the application system or the policy itself should be directed to the department.
6. The Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring voters are aware of the new voter ID requirement, and for supporting local authorities with the process. Questions related to the public awareness campaign should be directed to the Electoral Commission.
7. Local authorities are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level. 

ENDS

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Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007