Worcester residents are being urged to remember their photo ID when they go to vote in the General Election on Thursday.
Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate (including ones obtained for previous elections). Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. Full details are available on the Electoral Commission website.
At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID and for it to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private if they like.
Anyone who needs further information about what to expect at a polling station should contact Worcester City Council’s Elections Team on 01905 722530 or by email.
Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:
“Anyone voting in the General Election will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station, double check you have the right identification with you to enable you to vote.
“If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close at 10pm and cast your vote.”
Shane Flynn, Returning Officer at Worcester City Council, said:
“With only days to go, make sure you’re ready for the General Election on Thursday 4 July. Before heading to the polling station on election day, check that you’ve got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you. If you need any help, you can contact the electoral services team on 01905 722530 or
“If a voter has concerns about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, they can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won’t need to give a reason for their request or explain why they’d prefer privacy. Staff are trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy. There will be female polling staff available at every polling station in Worcester.”
The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterid.
If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on 4 July. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.
