Deadline looms for free voter photo ID ahead of General Election

17 June 2024

Time to apply for free voter photo ID ahead of the General Election is running out. 

The deadline is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.

Voters need acceptable photo ID to be able to vote in person at polling stations.

Voters also have the choice to vote by post or proxy, however. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm Wednesday 19 June. The deadline for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.

For the first time, voters in Cheshire East will need to show photo ID to vote in a UK parliamentary General Election. Residents are being advised to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an acceptable form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. 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 can apply for free ID online via the GOV.UK website. Voters wishing to apply should first make sure they are registered to vote. The deadline to register is midnight Tuesday 18 June.

Voters will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph. Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply.

The General Election is taking place Thursday 4 July.

Craig Westwood, director of communications, policy and research at the Electoral Commission, said: “Photo ID is now a requirement to vote at polling stations at the General Election. If you do not have accepted ID, you can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a free form of identification. 

“The availability of free ID helps ensure elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. But it is crucial that anyone who needs one applies before the deadline. That date is fast approaching so don’t delay.”

Rob Polkinghorne, Returning Officer for Cheshire East, said: “As the deadline to apply for free ID fast approaches, it is important that eligible voters make sure they’re election ready. If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, email our electoral services team at: electoral.information@cheshireeast.gov.uk or ring 0300 123 5016.”

For information on elections in your area, or how to apply by post or by proxy, voters should visit the Electoral Commission website.