Wednesday April 26, 2023
For immediate release
Have a say on May 4 and remember your photo ID
Voters in Charnwood are being encouraged to have a say in the local elections on Thursday May 4.
In addition, those heading to a polling station are also being urged to remember to take along their photo ID.
The UK Government has introduced the new requirement which means voters in England will need to show an acceptable form of photo ID when voting at a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA 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.
People should carefully check the list of accepted ID carefully as some forms of photo ID, such as security passes issued by employers, will not be accepted.
Voters also need to make sure the photo ID is the original. A photocopy or a picture of the photo ID taken with a mobile phone will not be accepted.
A list of accepted ID is available on the Council’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and frequently asked questions. For more information, visit charnwood.gov.uk/VoterID
Charnwood Borough Council has 52 councillors across 24 wards and all seats are up for election this year. There are also elections for some town and parish councils in Charnwood.
Rob Mitchell, Returning Officer at Charnwood Borough Council said: “I would encourage people to use their vote and have a say in how local government services are delivered in Charnwood.
“For the first time, voters need to ensure they take a suitable form of photo ID when visiting the polling station to vote. Set a reminder on your phone or add a sticky note to your poll card so you remember your photo ID.”
Around 70 polling stations staffed by more than 280 people will be open between 7am and 10pm on May 4 so people cast their vote. Your poll card will tell you which polling station you must vote at and offer a list of the types of photo ID which can be accepted.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.
There are 133,023 people on the electoral register in Charnwood.
The deadline to register to vote in the local elections has now passed so if you are not on the register you will not be able to vote on May 4.
You can register to vote in future elections by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote
Applications for Voter Authority Certificates, a free photo ID which can only be used for elections have also closed. Residents without a suitable form of photo ID had been able to apply for the free photo ID since January.
Votes will be counted on Friday May 5 and the results announced on the Council’s website, charnwood.gov.uk/elections23, and on social media, follow @CharnwoodBC and the hashtag #CharnElects23.
You can also keep up to date with the latest news and updates about the local elections by signing up to the Council’s free email newsletters. Visit charnwood.gov.uk/alerts for more information and to register.