Local residents are being urged to check they can vote at a polling station during the next Portsmouth City Council election.
A new law says that people will have to show photo ID when they vote at a polling station. The new rule has been put in place by the government, and will come into force for the local elections on 4 May.
Voters at polling stations will have to show one of the forms of ID accepted under the law. These include:
- a British, EEA or Commonwealth passport
- a UK or EEA driving licence
- an older person’s bus pass
- a disabled person’s bus pass
- a blue parking badge
- an ID card with a PASS mark
- an MoD defence identity card
- a biometric immigration document
- an ID card issued by an EEA state
People who don’t have the right ID will need to apply for a free voter authority certificate instead.
Anyone who can’t apply online can call the council on 023 9283 4074 to get a paper form.
The deadline for applying for a certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
People choosing to vote by post will not need photo ID. Anyone can apply to vote by post – no special reason is needed. Residents can see our postal voting page to find out more, or contact the council on elections@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 023 9283 4074.
The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April.
David Williams, chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Voting is really important because it’s the way residents choose who runs the council and makes decisions on their behalf.
“We want to make sure that any Portsmouth resident entitled to vote can do so. Given the new national law, we’re reminding residents about it and asking them to check they have the right kind of photo ID if they’re planning to vote at a polling station in May.
“It’s one of those jobs that’s good to do now, in advance, so you don’t get caught out later on.”