Voter ID

From May 2023, voters must show an accepted form of photographic identification (photo ID) at a polling station before they are given a ballot paper.

This affects voters who vote in person or by proxy. If you vote by Post you will not be required to provide photo ID when voting.

Accepted forms of photo ID

full list of accepted photo ID's can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Below is a list of the most common types of accepted ID's:

  • Passport (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country)
  • Photographic driving licence, including provisional (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state) 
  • European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID card
  • Biometric immigration document 
  • An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card) 
  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
  • Blue Badge
  • Older Person's Bus Pass
  • Disabled Person's Bus Pass
  • Oyster 60+ Bus Pass
  • Freedom Pass
  • Voter Authority Certificate or temporary Voter Authority Certificate

What should I do if I don't have one of these forms of ID?

If you want to vote in person at a polling station but are concerned about your ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (a free voter ID document). Voter Authority Certificates can only be used for the purpose of voting. 

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if:

  • do not have any of the accepted photo ID,
  • you're not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you or
  • you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker

You will be asked to provide your: 

  • Address
  • Date of birth 
  • National Insurance number
  • Clear colour photograph of your head and shoulders 
  • Confirmation that you are registered to vote

You can apply online using the button below or request a paper application form by contacting the electoral services team on electoralservices@melton.gov.uk.

You must be registered to vote to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply for a Voter ID Certificate

Proxy and Emergency Proxy 

If you are registered to vote by proxy, or apply for an emergency proxy, the person voting on your behalf (the proxy voter) will be requested to provide their own accepted photo ID at the polling station.

They will not be required to take your photo ID with them.

Frequently asked questions

Will photocopies or a picture of identification be accepted?

No, you must present an original form of photo ID. A photograph or photocopy will not be accepted as photo-editing software could be used to edit them, making them susceptible to fraudulent alteration.

My photo ID has expired, what should I do?

Expired photo ID is still accepted, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.

If you are concerned the photo does not look like you, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

What should I do if my ID is lost, stolen or damaged close of polling day?

If this happens before the deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate, you may apply for one. 

If this happens after the deadline, you may apply for an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day. This is when you will nominate someone that you trust to go to the polling station to vote on your behalf. The person voting on your behalf (the proxy voter) must show their own accepted Photo ID. 

I am an anonymous elector, do I need to show Photo ID?

If you're registered to vote anonymously and want to vote in person, you'll need to apply for an Anonymous Elector's Document.

Voter ID data for the Borough and Parish Elections 2023

Category Number of electors in Melton Borough
Total number of electors who were eligible to vote in person at the polling stations 36073
The total number of voters issued with a ballot paper at polling stations 9040
The total number of polling station electors who applied for, but at least initially were not issued with, a ballot paper 18
The total number of polling station electors who applied for, but at least initially were not issued with, a ballot paper 11
The number of polling station electors who applied for but were not issued with a ballot paper by close of poll 7

 

There are currently no files for download
Last updated 22 May 2023
Do you need to get in touch with us? Use our contact form.