To cast your vote in the upcoming local elections on Thursday, May 4th, you are reminded they you be required to present photographic identification to polling station staff.
This rule was established last year through UK-wide legislation by the government. P
Passports, photographic driving licenses, biometric immigration documents, and some concessionary travel passes are among the acceptable types of ID.
A complete list of the approved forms of photo ID is included on the back of the poll card letter sent to registered voters and is also accessible on the Swindon Borough Council’s website: www.swindon.gov.uk/voterID.
The poll card letter cannot be utilised as an ID.
If your photo IDs are out of date, they can still be used as long as they reasonably represent you in the photo.
The name on the ID must match the name used in the voter registration process, and only original documents will be accepted.
If you have opted to vote by proxy, meaning you have someone else vote on their behalf, you must ensure that the individual you have designated to vote on your behalf takes their own identification to receive a ballot paper.
Polling stations will be available from 7 am to 10 pm across Swindon on May 4th and although venues may become crowded, especially near the end of the day, voters who join the queue before 10 pm will still be able to cast their ballot even if there is a queue.
Individuals who arrive at a polling station without an accepted form of photo ID will be unable to vote and will be asked to return with an acceptable photo ID.
Voters who did not possess an approved form of photo ID were eligible to obtain a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) before April 25th. Those who have lost their VAC must apply for an emergency proxy vote on the Swindon Borough Council’s website.
Susie Kemp, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “Before you leave to cast your ballot at this year’s elections on 4 May, please make sure you have got your photo ID with you.
“Whether it’s a UK passport, driving licence, a PASS card, a Voter Authority Certificate or any other of the accepted forms of photo ID, take it with you to your polling station where it will be checked by polling station staff.”
Residents can find out more about the voter ID requirements by visiting Swindon Borough Council’s website: www.swindon.gov.uk/voterID.
