Final chance for voters without valid ID to apply for their Voter Authority Certificate ahead of 4 May local elections
For the first time, residents in Cotswold District will need to show photographic ID to vote in person at this year’s local elections which are being held on 4 May. Residents without a valid form of ID have until 5pm on 25 April to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate which will act as ID for people voting at a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth photo 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 and the name on the ID should be the same name as appears on the Electoral Register. Only original documents will be accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form which is available from Cotswold District Council.
More information is available on the Cotswold District Council website, including details of how to apply for the free ID. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, is being encouraged to contact the Council by calling 01285 623002 or emailing elections@cotswold.gov.uk.