The next scheduled Borough and Town Council elections will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023 (from 7am until 10pm)
The UK government is making changes to the UK electoral system. The Elections Act 2022 contains measures that affect elections and how we vote.
The most significant of these is the introduction of photo identification at polling stations. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
In many countries across Europe, photo identification is widely acknowledged as an effective tool for preventing electoral fraud by ensuring that someone is who they say they are when voting, and therefore representing the most straightforward solution to the vulnerability in our current trust-based voting at our polling stations, whereby someone who knows your name and address can currently use your vote if you appear on the electoral register at the polling station.
The Elections Act 2022 has introduced a new requirement for voters to show photographic identification before voting in person at a polling station at elections from May 2023.
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue Badge
- An older or disabled person’s bus pass
You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, if it still looks like you.
What if I don’t have an accepted form of ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or call 01483 523116.
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid photo identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Postal Voters
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.
Applying for a postal vote
Deadline for the forthcoming local elections: 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023
If your name appears on the electoral register, you can apply to vote by post at any time, for this specific election or for all elections.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote
Download a postal vote application form, complete and return a scanned copy to: electoralservices@waverley.gov.uk or return via post to Electoral Services, Council Offices, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR.
