Voting and Polling Station Processes - Changes at this election
Requirement to show photo ID to vote
Electors are now required to show an accepted form of photo ID before voting in a polling station. Read the full list of accepted photo ID to vote.
An elector can use an expired form of accepted photo ID if the photo still looks like them.
Voter Authority Certificates
If an elector does not have an accepted form of photo ID, they can apply for free photo ID to vote. This is called a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).
Electors can apply for a VAC online or they can complete a paper application form.
Anonymous Elector’s Document
Electors registered anonymously must have an Anonymous Elector’s Document (AED) as their photo ID if voting at a polling station. Anonymous electors must complete a paper application form for their AED. This is provided to them at the point they register.
Voting process in the polling station
An elector’s photo ID is checked before they are issued with a ballot paper.
Where an elector does not bring photo ID or brings unacceptable photo ID, they can return to the polling station before the close of poll. Once an accepted form of photo ID is shown, the voter will be issued with a ballot paper.
Every polling station will have a private area for the elector to produce photo ID in private if requested.
More information can be found in the Electoral Commission’s guidance on the voting process.