Voter ID information

Published: 02 February 2023

s you will be aware, for the first time ever, the UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

You may have noticed that the Government has launched a huge campaign to make sure that people are aware of this change, and we are sharing their messages through all of our communication channels. We would be grateful if you could also make your communities aware of this change and of the steps they need to take if they do not have an acceptable form of ID.

Attached to every council tax bill will be a Voter ID leaflet. In the news and at our noticeboards in the Parish you will see notices relating to this change in Voter ID Requirements. This information will also appear in Chichester District Council's magazine Initiatives and each household will get a notification letter. Y

Below is some information that may be useful to you :

Which forms of ID can you 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 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 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 at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online, you can request an application form from our Elections Team at Chichester District Council by emailing elections@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521010. Before sending this in, please remember to supply a hard copy or electronic photo to accompany your application. Alternatively, if you are unable to supply your own photo or need further help applying, please contact our Elections Team who will be able to help you further. You can do this by emailing elections@chichester.gov.uk or calling 01243 521010.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.