Voter ID Requirements
Walsall residents reminded to check their photo ID ahead of local election in May
As the deadline to get a free Voter Authority Certificate in time for this election fast approaches, Walsall Council is reminding residents without suitable photo ID to ensure they apply before 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
For the first time, voters in the local election on Thursday 4 May 2023 will need to show photographic ID when voting at a polling station due to new requirements implemented by the Government. Walsall Council is urging residents to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID. If you don’t, it’s not too late to apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate.
Accepted forms of ID
Accepted forms of ID include:
- UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
- Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
How to get and the Voter Authority Certificate
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate online. Walsall residents who need support with accessing digital services can go to one of the Walsall libraries or registered Community Hubs for digital support through Walsall Connected.
Libraries:
- Aldridge Community Library
- Bloxwich Community Library
- Brownhills Community Library
- Darlaston Community Library
- Lichfield Street Hub (Walsall Central Library)
- Streetly Community Library
- Willenhall Community Library
Community Centres:
- Aaina Community Hub
- Birchills Neighbourhood Community Hub
- Black Country YMCA
- Bloxwich Community Partnership
- Brownhills Community Association
- Collingwood Community Centre
- Frank F. Harrison – The Hive Community Hub
- Frank F. Harrison – Beechdale Lifelong Learning Centre
- Manor Farm Community Association
- The Mind Kind Project
- Moxley People’s Centre
- Nash Dom CIC
- Old Hall People’s Partnership
- Pelsall Community Centre
- RMC Refugee Centre
- Ryecroft Community Hub
- Streetly Community Association
- Walsall Black Sisters Collective
- Willenhall CHART
Alternatively, residents can contact the Electoral Services team to discuss their requirements.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate here.
Only people registered to vote will be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. If you aren’t registered to vote, It only takes five minutes to register online.
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To find out more, visit Walsall Council’s full news article here.
