Elections for Oxford City Council take place on 7 May, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm.
Rules introduced under the Election Act 2022 now require voters to show photographic identification at polling stations when they vote.
What counts as a photo ID?
The Council is urging residents to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID. These include:
- a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
- a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence
- some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card
Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms can apply for a free ID, known as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), online at the Apply for a Voter ID website or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID.
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
Anyone needing a VAC is encouraged to apply soon and not leave it until the last minute to make sure that the certificates can be issued in plenty of time. For more details visit the Government’s Voter Authority Certificate website. Voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.
Make sure you’re registered
Voters wishing to apply for a VAC should first make sure they are registered to vote. Those not registered can do so on the Register to vote pages. The deadline for registering to vote in the 7 May election is midnight on 20 April.
The deadline for applying for a VAC for the 7 May election is 5pm on 28 April.
Those using a postal vote do not need photo ID or a VAC.
Comment
“We want to ensure that no one is prevented from exercising their right to vote because they don’t have voter identification. It’s vital that everyone is aware of the requirement and is prepared ahead of time.
“Voters must present valid photo identification before receiving their ballot paper so it's essential that residents understand which forms of ID are acceptable at polling stations.
“Anyone who does not currently have an approved form of photo ID can apply for a free voter ID either online or by filling out a paper form and submitting it to the Electoral Services team at Oxford City Council. If you need assistance with your application or would like a paper form sent to you, please contact the team at elections@oxford.gov.uk.”
Caroline Green, Returning Officer
For more information about elections in Oxford visit the Council’s Elections and Voting webpage.
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