Changes to voting at polling stations in West Lindsey from May 2023

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Photo of outside of Guildhall

Residents in West Lindsey will need to bring photographic ID if they choose to vote in person at the elections in May.

The new changes, which are being rolled out nationally have been introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which was passed last year. It comes into effect for the first time this May and relates to voting in person, it does not impact postal voting.

All seats on West Lindsey District Council and both Town and Parish Councils throughout the district are up for election.

Ian Knowles, Returning Officer at West Lindsey District Council is urging people to understand the changes now so that residents can elect the candidates they want to represent them and their interests locally in May. He said:

“For the first time in the district, people are being asked to provide an accepted form of ID to be able to vote in the West Lindsey local elections on 4 May and the town and parish council elections. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to West Lindsey District Council’s electoral services team.

“If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the electoral services team on 01427 676576 or ereg@west-lindsey.gov.uk.”

Residents will need to ensure that they are registered to vote in the elections, which only takes five minutes to register online at GOV.UK and that they have the right form of ID if voting in person.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said:

“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ 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 expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at ID online or by completing a paper form. Please do not leave this too late to get one in time.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at Electoral Commission

For the latest news on West Lindsey District Council visit our council news pages

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