People who wish to vote in person (including those acting as a proxy) are now required to produce an accepted form of photographic ID to prove their identity before they will be issued with a ballot paper.
You only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy or photograph.
Here is a list of the most common types of photo ID:
- Passport (this can be used even if its out of date, as long as the photo looks like you)
- Driving Licence (including a provisional licence) issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- Blue Badge
- Biometric Immigration document
- Identity card with a PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
- Older Person's Bus Pass
Visit the Electoral Commission website for a full list of accepted ID.
The Electoral Commission has also produced Voter ID information for transgender and non binary people.
If you do not have ID
If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, or you do not wish to use it, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this online:
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
Alternatively you can complete a paper application form and send this back to the electoral services team at South Ribble Borough Council at the Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH.
Download the Voter Authority Certificate application form
You can download information about Voter ID in a plain text format or an easy read booklet from the Electoral Commission website.
Voting by post
You do not need photo ID if you are voting by post.
Making your polling station more accessible
All of the polling stations in South Ribble are accessible via floor level entry or via a ramp. There are also a number of things at a polling station to help you cast your vote:
- a large print sample ballot paper
- a tactile voting device
- polling booth at wheelchair level
- pencil grips
- magnifier
- audio ballot papers (accessible with a QR code)
If you want to, you can take your phone into the polling booth to use a magnifier or text-to-speech Apps, or the phone torch to improve lighting. When using your phone please don't take any photos inside the polling station.
You can also ask the polling station staff to help you, or you can bring someone with you to help (they must be over 18 and eligible to vote in the election).
Visit the Electoral Commission website for more information on voting in person.
Get in touch
To ask for a reasonable adjustment at your polling station, share ideas or provide feedback you can send us an email at elections@southribble.gov.uk