# Key information

Voter ID in the voting process

The introduction of Voter ID as a requirement has changed the way the voting process operates for the public.

The following methods of voting are affected:

In person

Postal

Proxy

Anonymous

# Voting at a polling station?

Voter ID changes voting in person

The UK Government introduced a law that requires voters to produce a photo ID when taking part in some elections. The Voter ID rules are designed to prevent fraudsters casting a vote in someone else's name.

You have to show one form of photo ID before voting at a polling station. If you don't have a valid Voter ID, you won't be able to cast your vote.

Voters must appear on the electoral register. If you don't, register to vote now.

What happens at a polling station?

1

A poll clerk first checks that the voter is on the polling station register.

2

A photo ID is requested and checked for type, validity, likeness, and name match against the register.

3

If the ID is accepted, the voter receives their ballot paper and can cast their vote.

Voters who request private ID checks are accommodated in a sectioned-off area.

Accepted forms of photo ID Get a free Voter ID

Accepted forms of photo ID Get a free Voter ID

# Changed your name?

Name change requirements

The name on your Voter ID document must match your name on the Electoral Register.

If your name does not match your photo ID, you need to either:

register to vote again with your new name
bring a document to the polling station that proves you've changed your name, such as a marriage certificate or a deed poll.

Minor differences do not matter. For instance, if your Voter ID displays 'Bill Smith' instead of 'William Smith'.

# Voting by post?

Changes to postal vote

Updates to the process of applying for and casting postal votes became effective on 31 October 2023. Besides submitting a traditional paper application for a postal vote, you also have the option to apply online.

For all applications, ID verification is mandatory. You have to submit your National Insurance Number or a photo ID such as passport or driving licence. If you lack these, UK-issued documents like birth or marriage certificates must be uploaded. Failure to provide these require submitting utility bills or bank statements.

You can hold a postal vote for up to 3 years and you must reapply once this period expires. Your Local Authority will write to you when it's time to renew. People who registered before 31 October 2023 won't need to reapply until January 2026.

Apply to vote by post

Apply to vote by post

Apply for a proxy vote

# Unable to vote in person?

Proxy voting and Voter ID

You can ask someone to vote on your behalf, which is called casting a "proxy vote".

You can apply for a proxy vote only when:

you are away on polling day
you have a disability or medical issue
you cannot vote in person due to work or military service

The Voter ID requirement applies to proxies voting in a polling station - they must present a photo ID to verify their identity before casting a vote on behalf of someone else.

Choose a trustworthy proxy, as you need to tell them your voting preferences.

Apply for a proxy vote

# Voting anonymously?

Anonymous Elector's Document

You can register to vote anonymously if your safety, or the safety of someone in your home, would be at risk if your name or address were listed on the electoral register. Polling stations list anonymous voters only by their electoral number.

The Voter ID requirements mean anonymous voters must show the Anonymous Elector's Document along with their polling card when voting in person. The document contains a photograph and the person's electoral number which has to match the register being used in the polling station.

Note that the deadline for applying for the document before any election is 5 pm on the sixth working day before polling day. Anonymous registration lasts for one year only, requiring renewal before each subsequent year.

Get Anonymous Elector's Document