Millions of voters will today be voting in crunch local elections in England – and will need to remember their photo ID.
A total of 5,013 councillors will be elected with elections being held for 134 of the country’s 317 councils. These include 32 London boroughs, six county councils and six unitary authorities, including the newly-created East Surrey and West Surrey.
Labour is defending 2,557 seats, the Tories 1,362 and the Lib Dems 684. A further 410 are held by other parties, including independents. Polling stations opened at 7am, and will be open until 10pm.
There will also be elections for the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments, but there is no requirement to bring photo ID for these.
Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. Boris Johnson introduced Voter ID requirements when he was PM. He received fierce criticism for the decision amid fears thousands would miss out having their say at the ballot box if they didn’t own an ID, or forgot to bring one.
The Electoral Commission has compiled a full list of accepted IDs, which you can find below. Niki Nixon, director of communications and external Affairs, said: “If you’re planning on voting at the English local and mayoral elections, don’t forget to bring photo ID. You’ll need to show it to polling station staff before they give you your ballot paper. Don’t risk being turned away, check you have ID with you before heading to the polling station.
“If you don’t have ID, or your Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time, it is possible to appoint an emergency proxy to vote on your behalf. You will need to contact your council to arrange this before 5pm on election day, and the person you appoint will need their own acceptable photo ID.”
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
- Freedom Pass
- Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
- 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
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- Biometric Immigration Documents, including eVisas
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card) (you can only use this ID at elections taking place on or after 1 May 2025)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector’s Document