Last updated 17 January 2023
Photo ID now required to vote in elections
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.
In Stockport, this means you will need acceptable photo ID in order to vote in the upcoming all-out Local Elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. At these elections all 63 seats on Stockport Council will be up for election.
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 license)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards including the Older Person’s bus pass, Disabled bus pass and the Oyster 60+ card
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card (Ministry of Defence Form 90)
- Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission website.
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 gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can complete and return a paper application form which can be requested from the Electoral Services Office at the Council using the details below.
In order to vote in the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023 using a Voter Authority Certificate, the Elections Office must have received your application for the Certificate by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023. This is a legal deadline and cannot be changed.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, contact the Elections Office via: elections.office@stockport.gov.uk or call 0161 217 6026.
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to find out more visit the Stockport Council Elections webpage or alternatively go to The Electoral Commission website.