Published: Thursday, 9th February 2023
Applications are now open for a new form of free ID that can be used at elections.
Ahead of a new voter ID requirement, the UK Government has opened the online portal for the ID, known as the Voter Authority Certificate, for voters that do not already have an accepted form of photo ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA 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.
People wishing to vote in the borough council local elections, taking place in West Norfolk on 4 May 2023, will need to show ID at the polling station to receive a ballot paper. If they don’t have an accepted form of ID they will need to submit an application for a Voter Authority Certificate through the online portal, at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk, or by submitting a paper form to electoral services at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1EX. Applicants can also call 01553 616773 or e-mail elections@west-norfolk.gov.uk for more details.
The deadline to apply for free ID before the May elections is 5pm on 25 April. Applicants must be registered to vote, and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number, and a photograph with their application.
Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply.
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration at the Electoral Commission, said:
“The availability of free ID is important to maintaining the accessibility of elections. We are calling on all voters to check whether they have an accepted form of ID and, if not, to apply for the certificate.
“We know from research that the vast majority of people already have the ID they need. Those voters only need to remember to bring it with them on polling day. However, anyone who doesn’t currently have an accepted form of ID can now apply for free voter ID.”
Lorraine Gore, Returning Officer at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said:
“With elections coming up on 4 May, it is important that residents in the borough make sure they’re election ready. If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the electoral services team on tel:01553616773 or by e-mailing elections@west-norfolk.gov.uk.”