Where is my polling station?
Do I need to show photo ID in order to vote?
What forms of photo ID can I use?
My photo ID has an old address on it. Can I still use it?
My name on my photo ID does not match my name on the electoral register. Can I still use it?
I don’t have any photo ID. What can I do?
For how long is a Voter Authority Certificate valid?
If I want to get a Voter Authority Certificate in time for a forthcoming election, what is the deadline for submitting an application?
What provisions are made at the polling station for people with a disability?
There is some other piece of equipment that would make voting more accessible for me at the polling station. Could you get it?
Where is my polling station?
The polling station locations for each of the five islands are given below.
St Agnes: Island Hall, New Lane
Bryher: Community Centre, Timmy’s Hill
St Martin’s: Island Hall, St Martin’s Road
St Mary’s: Old Wesleyan Chapel, Garrison Lane
Tresco: Community Centre, Block House Lane
Access to the Old Wesleyan Chapel polling station on St Mary’s is from the rear of the building only.
Do I need to show photo ID in order to vote?
Yes. All electors voting in person at a polling station need to show photo ID to the polling station staff in order to be issued with a ballot paper.
This requirement was introduced by the Elections Act 2022. Further information may be found on the Electoral Commission website.
What forms of photo ID can I use?
Common forms of accepted photo ID include:
• a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth passport (including an Irish Passport Card)
• a UK or EEA photocard driving licence
• a proof of age card bearing a PASS hologram
• a blue badge
Only original documents will be accepted. Scanned images or copies will not be accepted.
Out-of-date documents can be used if the photograph still looks like you.
A full list of the accepted forms of photo ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.
My photo ID has an old address on it. Can I still use it?
Yes. Polling station staff will not consider information on the photo ID other than your name and photograph when checking it.
My name on my photo ID does not match my name on the electoral register. Can I still use it?
The Presiding Officer at the polling station will ask you to explain why your name on your photo ID is different from your name on the electoral register. For example, you might have got married since registering to vote.
If the Presiding Officer is satisfied with the explanation, they will ask you the ‘prescribed questions’ in which you will be required to declare that you are the person referred to on the electoral register. If you answer the prescribed questions satisfactorily, you will be issued with a ballot paper.
I don’t have any photo ID. What can I do?
If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply online for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
You can also apply by completing a paper application form and posting or emailing it to the Electoral Services team at the Council.
If you can’t print the form, please contact the Electoral Services team and we will be happy to send you a copy.
Alternatively you could consider voting by post (as this does not require you to have photo ID).
For how long is a Voter Authority Certificate valid?
Voter Authority Certificates do not have an expiration date.
It is recommended, however, that you renew your certificate after 10 years.
If I want to get a Voter Authority Certificate in time for a forthcoming election, what is the deadline for submitting an application?
To receive a Voter Authority Certificate in time for a forthcoming election, your application must be received by 5pm six working days before the date of that election.
What provisions are made at the polling station for people with a disability?
The following provisions will be found at all polling stations on the Isles of Scilly:
• An audio-voting device designed to enable the blind and partially sighted to vote independently and in secret. You can watch a short video about this device on the manufacturer’s website.
• An enlarged ballot paper which can be taken into the polling booth for reference purposes.
• A low-level polling booth that is accessible to wheelchair users.
• A portable hearing loop for the benefit of voters with a hearing aid.
• A lamp in each polling booth.
• A magnifier in each polling booth.
• Pencils with a pencil grip in each polling booth for the benefit of voters with a dexterity impairment.
Voters with a disability can also:
• take their phone into the polling booth to use magnifier or text-to-speech apps, or the phone torch to improve lighting.
• bring a companion with them (who is 18 or over) to the polling station to assist them to vote.
• ask the presiding officer at the polling station to assist them to vote.
There is some other piece of equipment that would make voting more accessible for me at the polling station. Could you get it?
Please contact the Electoral Services team and we will be happy to look into the matter.
Electoral Services
Council of the Isles of Scilly
Town Hall
St Mary's
Isles of Scilly
TR21 0LW
T: 01720 424545
E: elections@scilly.gov.uk