Introduction of new Voter ID system

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voter to show photo IDwhen voting at a polling station at elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local, town and parish election on Thursday 4 May 2023.

On Monday, 9 January 2023 the Electoral Commission launched the new Voter ID public awareness campaign 'Noteto self', which aims to raise awareness of the new requirement

You will begin to see- 'Note to self' featuring giant handwritten sticky notes as unmissable reminders to prompt voters to bring their ID on polling day. Voters can expect see the Electoral Commission sticky note reminders across advertising channels including billboards and buses, online in the Electoral Commission social media feeds, on their website banners and in local newspapers. There will also be a TV advert 'Which forms of ID can be used to vote?'

Many electors may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. Any of the following can be used.

• Passport
• Driving licence (including provisional license)
• 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 electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on: 0800 328 0280.

If an elector doesn't already have an accepted form of photo ID, or they are not sure whether the photo ID still looks like them, then they can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Electors can apply for this atvoter-authority-certificate.service.gov.ukthis service went live today, Monday, 16 January 2023.

Alternatively, a paper application form can be completed and then sent to Democratic Services for processing.

Any residents who have any questions can contact Democratic Services team via: elreg@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or call: 01244 977084

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