Residents will need photo ID to vote in the local elections in May

Published: 16 January 2023

Along with all other areas of the UK which have local elections this May 2023, residents in Exeter will for the first time need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.

The new requirement was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed at the end of last year.

Residents in Exeter are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote on Thursday 4 May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of photo ID such as a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply for free ID online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper application form and sending it to Exeter’s electoral services team.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

Anyone needing help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form can  contact the electoral services team on 01392 265141 or email at electoral.services@exeter.gov.uk.