New changes for Elections from May 2023

• Bring Photographic ID to vote in a Polling Station

This will affect all voters who vote in person or by proxy, at the next local elections on Thursday 4^th May 2023.

Voters are now required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. You can find out more about the Elections Act 2022 at www.gov.uk/government/news/greater-protections-for-voters-as-governments-elections-bill-achieves-royal-assent.

Voters must bring suitable photographic ID to the polling station. The most commonly used ID include:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, and EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Island, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card) *
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ Card
• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority**
• ** For example, East Sussex County Council Buss Pass; Disabled Person’s Buss Pass.

Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted however documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

See full list of accepted Identity documents at Voter ID | Electoral Commission

No suitable photo ID.

If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting. Voters who do not produce valid identification or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be allowed to vote on the day.  Please contact Lewes District Council on how to do this New Voter ID Requirements – May 2023 – Lewes and Eastbourne Councils (lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk)