The UK Government is implementing significant changes to the current electoral system. The Elections Act 2022 outlines several measures which will affect the way that we vote and how the District Council conduct elections.
One of the biggest changes will be the requirement for individuals to show photographic identification (such as a passport or drivers licence) when they vote at a polling station.
Further information is due to be published throughout 2023 and South Norfolk Councils web pages will be updated.
https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/elections/elections-act-2022
Upcoming Changes
Voter Identification
From May 2023 you will be required to show an official form of photographic identification (ID) when you vote in person at a polling station, a list of acceptable ID documents is included below. If you do not have any of the accepted forms of ID you will be able to apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate – this is a photographic identity document specifically for the purpose of voting.
If you own an accepted form of photographic ID but it has expired it can still be used, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.
The application service for Voter Authority Certificates is expected go live mid January 2023, please South Norfolk Councils website for updates and information on how you can apply. If you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, make sure you do so in good time ahead of it being required at the polling station.
Acceptable forms of ID will include:
• A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or
a Commonwealth country
• A driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
• A biometric immigration document
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• A Blue Badge
• A national identity card issued by an EEA state
• An Older Person’s Bus Pass
• A Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• An Oyster 60+ Card
• A Freedom Pass
• A Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
• A 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• A Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• A Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• A Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• A War Disablement SmartPass or War Disabled SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• A 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• A Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• An Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland)