The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
What identification you need to bring
If you are registered to vote you can use any of the following:
- 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
- photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- biometric immigration document
- an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
- a concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority
- Disabled Person's Bus Pass
You will be able to use ID that has expired as long the photograph still looks like you.
Only original documents are accepted: scanned images, photocopies or pictures on a mobile phone will not be acceptable.
More information on forms of photo ID that will be accepted.
British Sign Language guide to accepted forms of ID.
If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID
If you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, email voting@blackburn.gov.uk
The deadline for applications for Voter Authority Certificates will be 17:00 on Tuesday 25th April 2023.
Voters who do not produce valid identification or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be allowed to vote on the day.
British Sign Language guide to applying for free voter ID.
Postal and proxy voters
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.
If you choose to vote by proxy then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification to be issued with a ballot paper.
If you wish to vote by post in future elections, including the 4 May 2023 elections you can apply for a postal vote.
If you wish to vote by proxy in future elections, including the 4 May 2023 elections, you can apply for a proxy vote.