People reminded to bring photo ID in order to vote in Thursday's local elections

People who are eligible to vote in the local elections on Thursday, 4 May must remember to take an accepted form of photo ID before they are issued with a ballot paper in a polling station.

A poll card is not needed in order to vote but new regulations introduced under the Government’s Elections Act, means anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or can produce a voter authority certificate will not be issued with a ballot paper.

• Approved forms of photo ID can include:
• UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport
• UK or EEA drivers’ licences
• an older person’s bus pass or a disabled person’s bus pass
• blue badge.

The photo ID does not have to be valid, expired ID can be used as long as the photograph still bears a strong resemblance to the person presenting it.

Anyone who presents at a polling station with an unacceptable form of photo ID and is refused a ballot paper, can return later with correct photo ID and cast their vote.

A full list of accepted ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website – www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

Caroline Lacey, area returning officer for the East Riding, said: “There are very big changes to the voting system this year nationally that has been introduced by the Government and I would encourage those who are eligible to vote in person to check the Electoral Commission website as to what photo ID is and isn’t acceptable.

“If people do attend polling stations with the incorrect photo ID and are refused a ballot paper, I would ask they are respectful and courteous to the polling station staff who are duty bound to follow the new legislation.

“Poll cards are not an accepted form of ID and do not need to be produced at the polling station.

“Should anyone present at a polling station with a form of photo ID that isn’t on the accepted list, unfortunately will not be issued with a ballot paper but they can return later and as long as that form of ID is appropriate, they can cast their vote.

“If people do attend polling stations with the incorrect photo ID and are refused a ballot paper, I would ask they are respectful and courteous to the polling station staff who are duty bound to follow the new legislation.”

For more information on voter ID go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk or for more information about the local elections go to www.eastriding.gov.uk/elections