Bring ID to vote for the next election
The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections.
This will affect all voters across Gravesham who vote in person or by proxy.
You must present one of the following forms of photographic identification to vote at a polling station:
- a passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
- a biometric immigration document.
- an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- a Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- a Blue Badge
- a national identity card issued by an EEA state
- an Older Person’s Bus Pass
- a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
- an Oyster 60+ Card
- a Freedom Pass
- a Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
- a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
- a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
- a Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- a Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- a War Disablement SmartPass or War Disabled SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- a 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- a Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- an Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
- a Voter Authority Certificate or a temporary Voter Authority Certificate.
Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.
Further proof of identity
You may be required to provide further proof of identity if there is any discrepancy between your name as shown on your form of photographic identification and the name of the elector (or proxy) you claim to be.
Anonymous electors – accepted form of photographic identification
You must present your Anonymous Elector’s Document in addition to your official poll card to vote at a polling station. The electoral register number on the Anonymous Elector’s Document must match the electoral register number shown on the official poll card.
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
No suitable photo ID?
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request a paper application form, email electoral.services@gravesham.gov.uk.
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Postal and proxy voters
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.
If you choose to vote by proxy then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification to be issued with a ballot paper.