Anyone wanting to cast their vote in person at polling stations in May will need photo ID for the first time. 

Various photo IDs are acceptable, including passports and driving licences, as well as bus passes and proof of age cards, that include photographs.  

If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.  

Details on how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate and the information you need to provide is available at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id   

The new rules apply to Local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and UK parliamentary by-elections. From October 2023, it will also apply to UK General Elections. 

Are you on the electoral role? 

If not, you have until Monday 17 April to register to vote. 

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on 17 April.  

They can be made online at https://www.gov.uk/register-tovote 

Postal and proxy votes 

For anyone not able to attend the polling station to vote, there are other options available such as postal and proxy votes. 

Applications to vote by post and request to amend or cancel an existing postal vote and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Town Hall, Market Place, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EL by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April. 

Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. 

Applications can be made online by visiting https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authoritycertificate 

New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Town Hall, Market Place, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6EL by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. 

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