For the first time, residents in Nuneaton and Bedworth will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.
Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote on Thursday, 2 May, by checking if they have an accepted form of ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA), or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving 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 an expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted IDs is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the requirements and details of how to apply for a free ID.
Brent Davis, Returning Officer at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“With elections taking place in Nuneaton and Bedworth on 2 May 2024, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Electoral Services team.’’
If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team at elections@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk.
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote.
Voters wishing to apply to their council for a 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 in 2022 and came into effect in May 2023.