There is just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, for voters who do not have another accepted form of photo ID they can use in a polling station.
The Electoral Commission is calling on anyone who needs the free ID for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections to apply now, before the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 24 April.
Over 38,000 people in Wales and England have already applied for a Voter Authority Certificate ahead of the elections on 2 May, where photo ID will be required at polling stations.
Commission research shows that people who are unemployed, people with disabilities, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are least likely to have an accepted form of ID, and should therefore apply for the free voter ID.
Craig Westwood, Director of Communication, Policy and Research at the Electoral Commission, said:
“The deadline to apply for the free voter ID is fast approaching and anyone that needs it should get their application in as soon as they can. The free ID helps ensure that everyone is able to take part in the May elections, even if they don’t currently have an accepted form of photo ID.
“The process of applying doesn’t take long and there is information and support available from the Electoral Commission and your local authority. And if you have friends or family who don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, please spread the word.”
Applications for the free ID can be submitted online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate, or by completing a paper form and sending this to the local council’s electoral services team. Voters will need to provide a photo, their full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number. Applicants must already be registered to vote before applying.
Voters with questions about applying for the free ID should contact their local authority. Contact details – and more information about the ID requirements – can be found on the Electoral Commission website.