You need photo ID to vote at elections this May.
The UK Government introduced a requirement in 2023 for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at all elections in England.
This new requirement will apply again in England at the elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. In Bolsover District we will have Police and Crime Commissioner elections and an election for the East Midlands Combined County Authority Mayor.
At these elections you will need to bring acceptable photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. Those voting by postal vote do not need to provide ID as separate security measures are already in place for voting by post.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote at a polling station?
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
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission website (opens in a new window) or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you have a form of accepted ID that is out of date but still looks like you, you can still use it to vote. You must show the original version of your photo ID when voting and not a photocopy.
What if I don’t have an accepted form of 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 need to be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. If you are not registered to vote already, you can register online (opens in a new window). The deadline to register to vote for the elections taking place in May is 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (opens in a new window).
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the Electoral Services team. If you need any help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact the Electoral Services team by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(opens in a new window) or telephone 01246 242424.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for use at the elections taking place in May is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April, but you should apply as soon as possible in case we need to check any details with you.
What information do I need to give when I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply. However, we will contact you to request alternative proof of your identity. You will also need to submit a passport type photograph with your application.
You can visit our contact centres with your application including the photo you need to complete the application.
What will happen at the polling station?
When you arrive at the polling station, a member of staff will
- Ask you for your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register
- Ask for your photo ID or Voter Authority Certificate and check it is acceptable
- If your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper(s) and direct you to vote in a polling booth as usual
A private area will be available at the polling station, so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
Staff at the station are there to help. If you need assistance at any point, just ask.
How do I register to vote?
To vote in these elections, you must be registered to vote by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April. If you’ve never registered, have recently moved to a different address, or changed your name, register to vote (opens in a new window) online. You can also apply by completing a paper application form.
If you need help registering to vote, or want to request a paper application form, please contact the Electoral Services team by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window) or telephone 01246 242435.
Are there other ways to vote?
You can apply to vote by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf). In order to vote by post, you’ll need to complete a postal vote application form and make sure we receive it by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April.
You can now apply for a postal vote (opens in a new window) online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a paper application form from GOV.UK (opens in a new window). You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by post.
In order to vote by proxy, you’ll need to complete a proxy vote application form and make sure we receive it by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.
In some circumstances, you can now apply for a proxy vote (opens in a new window) online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a proxy vote application form from GOV.UK (opens in a new window). You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by proxy.
For more information about postal and proxy voting, visit the Electoral Commission (opens in a new window) website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Do you need support accessing your polling station?
If you have any accessibility needs when you visit your polling station, please let us know by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window) or call us on 01246 242435.
