One week left before elections Voter ID application deadline

There is only one week left before the deadline to ensure anyone wishing to vote in person at this year’s local elections has an accepted form of photo identification.

In order to be able to vote in person at polling stations on Thursday 4 May, voters will need to be able to show an accepted form of photo ID. Anyone unable to produce such identification at the polling station will not be able to vote.

The list of accepted forms of ID can be seen at Voter photo ID (leeds.gov.uk). If anyone requires new Voter ID, the deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. In Leeds applications can be completed free including having a new photo taken at community hubs and libraries across the city. There is no need to make an appointment, but anyone wishing to apply this way will need to ensure they have their National Insurance number with them.

Poll cards have now posted out to everyone currently registered to vote. The cards include clear guidance on the need to ensure those wishing to vote in person have accepted ID and remember to take it with them in order to be able to vote.

It will be a requirement at polling stations on election day to establish the identity of all voters using the accepted photo ID. It may be necessary for polling officials to ask voters to remove face coverings in order to verify their identity. Privacy booths will be available at all polling stations, with a choice of a male or female official to carry out the check.

The need to have Voter ID only applies to 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.

The Leeds elections team can be contacted to address any issues using the helpline at 0113 222 4411 or by emailing electors@leeds.gov.uk.

Information about the new Voter ID requirement and guiding around voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website at Voter ID | Electoral Commission.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007