Make sure you have photo ID to vote at election

Anyone voting at a polling station next month needs to make sure they have appropriate photo ID.

The requirement was introduced by the government in 2023 and applies to those voting in person at a polling station.

A passport, driving licence, or an older person’s bus pass are just three of a number of forms of ID that are accepted.

For a full list of accepted ID, people can visit the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

Anyone who doesn’t have an accepted form of ID can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. To apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, visit the GOV.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate Applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.

Elections for Devon County Council will be held throughout Exeter on Thursday 1 May. There will also be by-elections for two City Council wards – Mincinglake & Whipton and Topsham – following two City Councillors stepping down. These will also be held on 1 May.

Apart from the two by-elections, there are no other City Council elections this year, because the local authority holds its elections in ‘thirds’, meaning there are no elections every fourth year.

People will need to ensure that they are on the electoral register to be able to vote. Those who are currently not on the register can apply now and have until midnight on Friday 11 April to do so. It’s really simple to register, just go to the Gov.uk website at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Those who are unsure if they are already on the register can contact the City Council directly at electoral.services@exeter.gov.uk or by calling 01392 265141.

Those who are unable to or do not wish to vote at a polling station can opt for a postal vote. To do this, visit the Electoral Commission website at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/apply-vote-post

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Monday 14 April.