Residents are reminded that identification is now required when voting at a polling station. While there is still time to prepare and there is no need to panic, action should be taken now.
There are many forms of photo ID that can be used, including the following list:
- Passport (UK, EEA or Commonwealth)
- Photocard Driving Licence – full or provisional (UK, Channel Islands or EEA)
- Biometric Residents Permit
- EEA Photographic National Identity Card
- Oyster 60+ Card
- Freedom Pass
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
- Blue Badge
- PASS Card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- MOD Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
An alternative is available to any residents without one of these forms of ID, who can apply now for a Voter Authority Certificate to be ready for any upcoming election. These are available through www.bromley.gov.uk/VoterID.
Expired ID will still be accepted as long as there is a likeness. The original ID document must be shown, as scanned images, copies, or photos on smartphones are not acceptable. Proxy voters need their own ID to vote on behalf of someone else.
Voter ID requirements have been introduced across the country by the Elections Act 2022.
Bromley does not have any scheduled elections until the Greater London Authority (GLA) elections in May 2024, but Voter ID will be required in UK Parliamentary general elections from October and in any by-elections from now on.
Further changes to rules and provisions around elections are also being introduced, including improving accessibility of polling stations and changes to postal and proxy voting.
In July, the annual canvass will begin in Bromley in order to update the electoral register. Letters and emails will be sent to households across the borough during this process to check details and some may be visited at their homes by canvassers. More information will be provided soon.
Further information on Voter ID will come in due course and you can find out more and stay up to date on the council’s website at www.bromley.gov.uk/voterID.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk