Photographic identification to be required at polling stations: check what you will need to present in order to vote in future elections

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station. 

This will apply:

  • to local government elections and police and crime commissioner elections from May 2023; and
  • to general elections from October 2023.

The first scheduled poll on the Isles of Scilly at which the new provisions will apply is the Police and Crime Commissioner election on 2 May 2024.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable.  You can use any of the following:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence (including provisional licence)
  • Blue badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Biometric Immigration document
  • Defence identity card
  • Certain national identity cards

For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. 

You can apply for this certificate on the government website from 16 January 2023.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the Council's Electoral Services team.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, please contact us at the details below:

Electoral Services
Council of the Isles of Scilly
Town Hall
St Mary’s
Isles of Scilly
TR21 0LW

Email: elections@scilly.gov.uk
Phone: 01720 424543

Further information

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, visit the Electoral Commission website, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Publishing date: 
Monday, 9 January, 2023