For the first time, residents in Worcester will need to show photographic identification (ID) to vote at the City Council elections in May. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have the right form of ID.
A wide range of photo identification can be accepted, which most people will already have, including a passport, a driving licence, an immigration document and some travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass. Voters will be able to use 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, either online or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission's website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID.
Ailsa Irvine, the Electoral Commission's Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said:
"Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It's important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission's website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID."
Shane Flynn, Returning Officer at Worcester City Council, said:
"With elections taking place in Worcester on 4 May 2023, it is important that people who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
"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 Worcester City Council's electoral services team.
"If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact Worcester City Council's electoral services team on 01905 722530 or
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to Worcester City Council for 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 last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.
