Please remember to bring your photo ID when you go to vote in the general election next Thursday 4 July.
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; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
There is still time to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate if you have no photo ID – the deadline is 26 June.
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 that would like further information about what to expect at a polling station should contact the local authority.
If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close and cast your vote.
The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website: Accepted forms of photo ID | Electoral Commission.
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 election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.
Polling stations
You should have received your polling card. You don’t have to take it with you to the polling station but it helps staff check your details.
Your card provides your polling station and a reminder to bring photo ID or your Voter Authority Certificate if voting in person.
Details of polling stations in each constituency is available on our General Election webpage: General Election 2024 (somerset.gov.uk).
