- Voter ID has been mandatory for certain UK elections since May 2023, including today’s local election on 7 May, following the Elections Act 2022.
- Accepted forms of photographic identification include UK passports, UK or Northern Ireland driving licences, a Blue Badge, Older Person’s Bus Pass, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, Freedom Pass and a Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card). You can find the full list here.
- Out-of-date ID is also valid if the likeness remains, and individuals without an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at polling stations.
- The government introduced the ID requirement to combat election fraud, specifically 'personation', a criminal offence of voting as someone else.
- Critics argue that electoral fraud is rare and the rules disproportionately affect marginalised communities and young people, potentially leading to a significant reduction in voter turnout.
