The deadline for free voter ID before the general election is approaching

The time to apply for free voter ID before the general election is running out. The deadline is Wednesday, June 26, at 5 p.m.

For the first time in a general election, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper at polling stations. Those without an accepted form of ID can apply for a voter authority certificate online or at any of the Sandwell libraries and Sandwell Council House in Oldbury.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Those who already have an accepted form of ID do not need to apply.

Accepted forms of ID include

• a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport;
• a UK or EEA driving licence; and some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognizable from the photo.

The general election takes place on Thursday, July 4.

Shokat Lal, Acting Ward Officer at Sandwell Council, said: “With the deadline to apply for your free ID fast approaching, it is important that Sandwell residents ensure they are election ready. If you need help applying for free ID or want to request an application form, details are on the Sandwell website or call the electoral team on 0121 569 3244. “

Residents can also visit any of Sandwell’s libraries and at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury during opening hours, where a member of staff will be happy to support them with Voter ID.”

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications, Policy and Research, said: “Photo ID is now a requirement to vote at polling stations in the General Election. If you don’t have an accepted ID, you can still request a Voter Authorization Certificate, which is a free form of identification.

“The availability of a free ID helps ensure that elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. But it is essential that anyone who needs one applies before the deadline. That time is fast approaching, so don’t delay.”

Voters also have the option to vote by proxy. The deadline for proxy voting is Wednesday, June 26, at 5 p.m.

The use of postal ballots and general registration to vote has grown rapidly locally.

Since May 22, when the general election was announced, in Dudley, 16,247 applications to register to vote and 4,815 postal vote applications have been received in time for the deadline. This represents a 364% increase in the total number of applications since May’s council elections and a 290% increase in postal vote applications. Ballot cards and postal vote packs are currently being sent out.

Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive of Dudley Council, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in people registering to vote and opting to vote by post and it’s great to see so many people interested in the democratic process.

“But remember, if you are voting in person, you must bring your ID to the polling station or you will be refused. Similarly, you must return your postal vote in time for it to count.

If you miss the postal vote deadline, you can take your postal vote to a polling station and hand it in there. It’s your vote, make sure you use it.”