Uncategorised, General, Inclusion Barnet

Changes to how you...

Poster reads: 61 percent of Londoners are not aware of the new photo ID requirement in order to vote. You voice matters, so find out more at https;//registertovote.london/
17
Jan

From May 2023, changes to the law will mean that you need to show your photo ID when voting in elections.

This change aims to make our voting systems more fair and secure by reducing voter fraud, and is part of the Elections Act 2022.

But many people have argued that requiring photo ID could alienate some members of the public who do not have passports, driving licenses or other forms of ID.

We want to make sure the voting remains a basic right for everyone, so we’re sharing information about the changes, which photo IDs are accepted and what to do if you don’t have photo ID.

We think it’s particularly important for the disabled community to be aware of this change, as it’s vital our access to vote is protected. We need to be able to have our say in elections, as this directly impacts who is in office and how the voices of disabled people are listened to.

Which photo IDs are accepted?

  • UK, Commonwealth or EEA passports
  • UK, Channel Islands or EEA driving license
  • Blue Badge Scheme Card
  • National identity card issues by and EEA state
  • Free photo travel pass like Oyster 60+ or a Freedom Pass
  • Biometric Immigration Document
  • PASS card issues by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme bearing the PASS hologram.

Poster reads: The law has changed. Make sure you have the right photo ID to vote. UK, Commonwealth or EEA passports, UK, Channel Islands or EEA driving license, Blue Badge Scheme Card, National identity card issues by and EEA state, Free photo travel pass like Oyster 60+ or a Freedom Pass, Biometric Immigration Document, PASS card issues by the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme bearing the PASS hologram.

What if you don’t already have one of these forms of ID?

If you don’t already have one of these forms of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or by post. The Electoral Commission has large print, Easy Read and Braille versions of the print document if this is useful for you.

Why we should act now

We think the opportunity to vote on issues that impact us is something that should be protected. But 60% of Londoners don’t know about the upcoming changes to voting, potentially meaning they could be turned away if they show up to a polling station without ID.
One in 10 Londoners don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, meaning 10% of people won’t be eligible to vote this March unless they apply for the Voter Authority Certificate. We don’t like these statistics, which is why we are supporting Shout Out UK in their campaign to spread awareness on these changes. You can visit the Shout Out UK website to find out more about their campaign.

Where to get more information 

For more information, you can visit the Register to Vote London website, which goes into detail about new changes changes to Voter ID, and how you can register to vote.