Photo ID deadline looming for voters ahead of July 4 election

By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 20th Jun 2024

Rob Polkinghorne, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council.
Rob Polkinghorne, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council.

Residents without acceptable ID only have until Wednesday to apply for free photo ID if they want to vote at a polling station in next month's general election.

Acceptable forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers' licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID online via the GOV.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

The deadline is 5pm, Wednesday, June 26.

Craig Westwood, director of communications, policy and research at the Electoral Commission, said: "If you do not have accepted ID, you can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a free form of identification.

"The availability of free ID helps ensure elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. But it is crucial that anyone who needs one applies before the deadline. That date is fast approaching so don't delay."

Rob Polkinghorne, returning officer for Cheshire East, said: "As the deadline to apply for free ID fast approaches, it is important that eligible voters make sure they're election ready.

"If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, email our electoral services team at: [email protected] or ring 0300 123 5016."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal about 6,000 people in Cheshire East left it until deadline day to register to vote in the general election.

Cheshire East Council said about 320,000 residents in total across the borough are now registered to vote on July 4.

Voters can, however, still apply for a proxy vote. The deadline for that is also 5pm, Wednesday, June 26.

     

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