Three Weeks left to check your Voter ID
Residents voting in next month’s local elections have just three weeks left to check they have suitable photo ID, and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if they need one.
For the first time, residents in West Berkshire will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections. There are 23 accepted forms of ID (details available here: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate (opens in new window)), which will cover the vast majority of residents. Anyone without of these can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate (opens in new window) - but will need to do so by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team by calling 01635 519464 or emailing vote@westberks.gov.uk.
Anyone who would like help in making an online application for a Voter Authority Certificate can speak to library staff, who will be happy to assist. Residents should contact their local library (https://www.westberks.gov.uk/our-libraries (opens in new window)) to arrange a convenient time for this. You will need to be registered to vote and to bring your National Insurance number with you if you have one. You will also need a digital photo of yourself, but our staff can take this for you if required.
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 (opens in new window) - with a deadline for registration of 11.59pm on Monday, 17 April. Voters wishing to apply for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
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 and comes into effect for the first time this May. It will also apply at General Elections from October 2023.