In the local elections next week, you’ll need a valid form of photo identification to vote.
Previously, you just needed to be registered to vote in order to participate in elections. However, the Government has now made it a requirement to also produce photo ID at the polling station before voting - and not doing so will stop you from accessing the ballot.
The proposals were put forward by the Conservative government to "protect the integrity of the ballot box" and combat electoral fraud. However, critics have argued that electoral fraud numbers were low anyway, with only six reported cases at the 2019 general election.
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Furthermore, The Electoral Reform Society has suggested younger voters might be disproportionately affected as older people can use bus passes as ID but young people can't use their railcards. The Electoral Commission has also warned that the new rules could disenfranchise groups less likely to have voter ID, such as homeless people.
This year’s local elections in Liverpool are set to be a fascinating affair, with a brand new electoral map in place to provide greater accountability.
This follows the recommendations of the Caller Report. To participate in this year’s elections in Liverpool and Merseyside, here are the forms of ID that will allow you to do so.
Forms of accepted photo ID
UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
Driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
UK passport
Passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
Blue Badge
Biometric residence permit (BRP)
Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
National identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
Voter Authority Certificate
Anonymous Elector’s Document
You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID:
Older person’s bus pass
Disabled person’s bus pass
Oyster 60+ card
Freedom Pass
Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass
If you’re voting as someone’s proxy, you’ll need to take your ID to the polling station, not yours. The name on your ID must also match your name on the electoral register.
A Voter Authority Certificate will also be accepted in place of photo ID. Please note that the deadline to apply for this certificate for next week’s elections has expired, but you can still apply for one for use in future elections.
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