Voter ID
From 4 May 2023, voters in Wales will need to show photo ID to vote in person, at polling stations in some elections.
This follows new requirements introduced by the Elections Act.
This will apply to:
From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.
Voters in Wales will not need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station at Senedd elections or local council elections.
Find out more about Voter ID:
Voter ID Poster
Acceptable Voter Identification
Photographic identification that can be used to vote include passport, driving license, immigration document, a PASS card, Ministry of Defence Form 90, concessionary travel pass (excluding railcards) and national ID card.
Work/student passes, railcards and photocopies of identification documents or pictures on mobile phones will not be acceptable.
The photographic identification does not need to be in date to be used – it just needs to bear a likeness to the voter.
If you cannot provide one of the required forms of identification as set out in legislation, you will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by going to:
Gov.uk
The Voter Authority Certificate will be an A4 paper-based document with inherent security features. It will display the elector’s name and photograph, the date of issue and the issuing local authority.
There will be three varieties of “Voter Authority Certificate” - the Voter Authority Certificate, the temporary Voter Authority Certificate, and the Anonymous Electors Document (AED).
Electors will have a range of options to choose from when applying for a Voter Authority Certificate - in person, by post or online, ensuring accessibility for all electors. Our office will be able to provide a paper application on request. Regardless of the way a person applies, there will be a check as to the person’s electoral registration status, and their identity will need to be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What will happen if a voter goes to the polling station with no accepted identification?
If a voter turns up at a polling station with no accepted photo identification, they will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo identification.
Contact Electoral Services