You'll need ID to vote in upcoming elections

The Electoral Commission, which oversees the management of elections in the UK are urging voters to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID they can take along to the polling station on May 2.

It will be the first time that the Electoral Commission's new rules on producing voter ID at a polling station has happened in Swansea and residents are being reminded that they won't be able to vote without it.

Martin Nicholls, Local Returning Officer for Swansea, said: "With the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in Wales next month it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

"Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Swansea Council's electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the Electoral Services team on elections@swansea.gov.uk or by phone on 01792 636123."

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers' licence; and 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.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

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 free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, at the Electoral Commission said: "Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.

"It's important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission's website."

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government's Elections Act and came into effect for the first time in May 2023.