In 2022, the law was changed so you will be required to show photo ID when voting in person at a polling station in some elections. This will apply for the first time at the local elections taking place in around 230 areas of England on 4 May 2023.
A wide range of forms of ID will be accepted. If you don’t have one of these forms of ID but still want to vote at a polling station, you can apply for free voter ID. The deadline to apply for free voter ID in time for the local elections has elapsed, but you can find out how to apply for free voter ID ahead of future elections.
What to expect at the polling station
When you arrive at the polling station on 4 May, a member of staff will:
- Ask you for your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register
- Ask for your photo ID, and check it is acceptable
- If your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper and direct you to complete it in a polling booth as usual
To allow polling station staff to check you look like your ID, you will need to remove your veil so they can see your face. You can ask for a female member of staff to check your ID if you prefer, and polling station staff will accommodate this if possible.
You can ask for your ID to be checked in private. A private space will be available in the polling station for this purpose. Such requests will be handled discreetly and with courtesy. You do not have to give a reason for this request, and you will not be asked to explain why.
A mirror will be available so you can ensure your face veil is in place correctly before leaving the private area.
Other ways to vote
Voting by proxy
If you would prefer not to vote in person, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy.
If you nominate a proxy, the person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to show their own photo ID to cast your vote. They will not need to show your ID.
The person voting on your behalf can either go to your polling station to cast your vote, or can apply to vote for you by post. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for the elections on 4 May 2023 was 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. It has elapsed, but you can find out how to vote by proxy ahead of future elections.
Voting by post
You can also vote by post.
The deadline to register for a postal vote for the elections on 4 May 2023 was 5pm on Tuesday 18 April. You can still register for a postal vote after this date, but it would only apply to future elections. Find out how to apply to vote by post.
It is your right to engage in the democratic process, cast your vote in elections and make your voice heard on the issues that matter.
Most polling stations should have provisions in place to check the voter ID of veiled sisters, as outlined above. Should you encounter a polling station that is unable to accommodate this, please email: admin@mcb.org.uk
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