Voter ID
What you need to know about the new rules around voter ID
According to new rules under the Elections Act 2022, you must bring photographic ID with you to polling stations when voting in-person. Only certain forms of ID are accepted and if you don’t possess any, you may be turned away and unable to vote.
This guide explains what the rules are, what forms of ID are acceptable, what alternatives there are, and how you can apply for them.
🆔 What are the accepted forms of ID?
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station:
- Passports issued by the UK, Ireland, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card).
- Driving licence issued by the UK, Ireland any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence).
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
- Oyster 60+ Card funded by the funded by the UK Government
- Freedom Pass
You can find a full list of accepted ID here.
📝 What if I don't have any of the accepted forms of ID?
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at no charge. To do so, you must be already registered to vote. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate will be 5pm, six working days before the date of the election.
You can apply online or by post. If you prefer to apply by post, we are happy to provide you with the application forms and return them to Salford City Council's Election Services Team on your behalf.
Voter Authority Certificates do not have an expiration date. But it's recommended that you renew your certificate after 10 years.
📮 How else can I vote?
You can always vote by post, if you prefer. You won't need to provide photo ID this way. Get in touch with Salford City Council's Election Service Team by email or telephone at 0161 793 2500 with your name and full address, including postcode and they will post a form to you.
Alternatively, you can let us know and we can provide you with the application forms and return them to Salford City Council's Election Services Team on your behalf.
🤝🏼 Other useful services
You can also visit the Electoral Commission's website for guides on voter ID available in other languages and accessible communication formats.
My Vote My Voice provides accessible, educational resources for disabled people about how to register to vote and explainers on voter ID. You can find these on their website.