Urgent Reminder for Voters to Secure Photo ID Ahead of Upcoming Elections in England

The deadline is rapidly nearing for voters in England to obtain the required photo identification to be eligible for the local and mayoral elections taking place on May 1st. Individuals who do not possess an accepted form of photo ID have only a few hours left to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, a critical step to participate in this important electoral event.

A total of 1,641 council seats are up for grabs across 23 local authorities, in addition to elections for four regional mayoral roles and two local mayoralties. Furthermore, there will be a parliamentary by-election for the constituency of Runcorn & Helsby. It’s essential for voters to be aware that only certain types of photo identification, such as passports, driving licence photocards, blue badges, and older person's bus passes, will be accepted at polling places.

Those lacking these accepted documents must submit an application for a Voter Authority Certificate by the strict deadline of 5pm on Wednesday. If they fail to meet this requirement, they will not be allowed to vote on election day. Applications can be made through an online portal or by filling out a paper form obtained from local councils, requiring voters to provide personal details, including a photo, full name, date of birth, registered address, and national insurance number.

The introduction of photo ID requirements followed the Elections Act 2022, with enforcement beginning in England in 2023 and extending across Britain by the 2024 general election. Voters in Northern Ireland have been obligated to present ID at elections since 2003. The latest figures reveal an average of 219 applications for voter authority certificates were submitted per day, marking a slight increase from previous weeks, although younger voters have been less represented in recent applications.

Jackie Killeen from the Electoral Commission emphasized the importance of securing a valid form of ID in time for the elections, noting that many voters already possess acceptable identification. The upcoming elections represent a significant moment for political parties, particularly since Labour's victory in the July 2024 general election.

On May 1, elections will take place in 14 county councils and various unitary authorities, with every seat across these councils up for grabs. Boundary changes may result in some regions electing fewer councillors than before. Additionally, voters will be casting their ballots for combined-authority mayors, while the Runcorn & Helsby by-election arose after the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, following legal troubles related to an assault charge.