The forms of ID that will be accepted in the 2023 local elections
04.05.2023 - 09:53
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Local elections are underway today (Thursday May 4) as thousands of constituents cast their votes across parts of England.
Some 230 local authorities are holding elections - and just under a third of those have every seat of the council up for grabs. In Greater Manchester, Oldham, Wigan, Tameside, Stockport, Trafford and Bolton are having all-out elections.
Meanwhile mayoral elections are happening in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough. Polling stations will open from 7am and close at 10pm - and you must attend the address on your poll card in order to vote.
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Under new national legislation, the 2023 local elections will mark the first time polling stations will require voters to have an approved photo ID with them. The rule is due to be extended to UK General Elections from October.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. Your ID can still be used even if it's expired, but the photo must still look like you.
The following forms of ID will be accepted in polling stations across England today:
Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card) will also be accepted. Other valid government issued documents include:
If you don't have any of the above ID, then a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) will be accepted instead. However, the deadline to apply for a VAC was April 25.
If you are casting a postal vote, photo ID is not needed. If you have been nominated to vote for someone else by proxy, you must supply your own photo ID.
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