Remember to bring your photo ID to the polling station to vote in the general election

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot.

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

• a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport,
• a UK or EEA driving license (including a provisional licence),
• some concessionary travel passes, such as an elderly or disabled person’s bus pass,
• a blue badge, an ID card with the Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card),
• a certificate of electoral authority
• and other forms of official photo identification.

Voters will be able to use expired forms of accepted photo ID if they are still recognizable by the photo.

At polling stations, voters will need to present an accepted photo ID and have it verified by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so that the voter can choose to view their ID in private if they wish.

Shokat Lal, Acting Chief Executive at Sandwell Council, said: “With just days to go, make sure you are prepared for the General Election on Thursday 4th July. Polling stations are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“Before going to the polling station on election day, check that you have an accepted ID and remember to take it with you.

“If you need help there is information about Voter ID on our website at or you can contact the Electoral Services team on 0121 569 3244.

“If a voter is worried about showing their face at a polling station, because they are wearing, for example, a face mask, they can ask to verify their identity in private. They will not have to give a reason for their request or explain why they would prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for identification to be verified privately, discreetly and courteously.”

Anyone handing in a postal vote at a polling station is also reminded that they will need to sign a form and that a maximum of five postal votes plus one voter’s postal vote can be handed in at a polling station or at Sandwell Council House in person. Postal votes should not be given to candidates or agents as they are not allowed to handle them.

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: Anyone voting in the General Election will be required to produce photo ID before they can receive their ballot paper. Before heading to the polling station, double check that you have the correct identification to allow you to vote.

“If you get to a polling station and forget your ID, you can come back with it later before the polls close and cast your vote.”

The full list of accepted IDs, along with more information about the new requirement, is also available on the Electoral Commission website.

If voters lose their ID or voter authority certificate does not arrive in time for Election Day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf until 5:00 PM on Election Day. The person designated as a proxy voting on someone else’s behalf must have their own acceptable photo ID.