Information on the new voter ID requirement in force for the 2023 local elections features in a poll card letter being delivered to registered voters in Swindon from this week.
The top of the A4 poll card letter clarifies that voters must show photographic identification to the polling station staff to cast their vote at the local elections on Thursday, 4th May 2023, following UK-wide legislation introduced last year by the Government.
Susie Kemp, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said:”There’s just over six weeks left until the local elections on 4 May, so please be prepared to vote by making sure you have an accepted form of photo ID to take with you to the polling station.
“I urge everyone to carefully read the information on your polling card letter – there are key details on what form of identification you need to bring and where your polling station is.
“Voters who do not have any accepted photographic ID have until 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate and I would encourage anyone who requires one of these to register as soon as possible.”
The back of the letter includes the full list of accepted photographic identification which includes passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents and some concessionary travel passes. The full list is also available on Swindon Borough Council’s website: www.swindon.gov.uk/voterID
The letter also advises electors that they can apply to the Council for a free Voter Authority Certificate if they do not possess any of the accepted forms of photographic identification.
This can be done online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by phoning the Council on 01793 445 500 to request an application form by post.
Alternatively, electors can apply in person on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH. Completed applications must reach the Council before 5pm on Tuesday, 25th April 2023.
To vote in the upcoming elections, residents must be registered to vote by Monday, 17th April 2023. Anyone not currently registered can do this in a few minutes at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
