Stoke: You'll need to bring photo ID to vote in spring's elections

By Sarah Garner

13th Jan 2023 | Local News

It has been confirmed that Stoke residents will have to bring ID to the polling station for the first time.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is having an election to decide their councillors for the next four years on May 4.

But if you wish to vote in it, you will need photo ID with you.

Wannabe voters in Stoke should check if they have an accepted form of ID.

Previously you just needed to mention your name and address at the polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth provisional or passed 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. However, paper driving licences that do not have a photo on will not be accepted.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online via the gov.uk website, or by completing a paper form.

You can also call the Council to get a Voter Authority Certificate, for those that don't have photo ID. However, you only have until April 25 to do this. (Almost ten days before the polls).

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, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

You on'y need to bring one eligible ID to the polling station. (Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, 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."

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

Eligible voters can, alternatively, vote by post. However you have to apply to do so by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

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 and comes into effect for the first time this May.

The Electoral Commission is yet to reveal how the ID will actually be checked, as to whether it will be scanned electronically or by eye.