Sevenoaks District residents need photo ID to vote at elections in May

Published: Tuesday, 28th February 2023

For the first time, residents in Sevenoaks District will need to show photographic ID to vote in a polling station at this year’s local elections.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote on 4 May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence, 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 www.gov.uk/voting-photo-id or by completing a paper form, available from Sevenoaks District Council.

Anyone that chooses to vote by post will not be affected and will not need to provide photo ID.

More information about the new requirement, details of how to apply for the free ID or to apply for a postal or proxy vote are available at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/voterID

Dr Pav Ramewal, Returning Officer at Sevenoaks District Council said:

“Anyone voting at a polling station this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.

“With District and Town and Parish elections taking place on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. 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 online. If you cannot apply online or if you need any help with applying for the free ID, contact our Electoral Services team by calling 01732 227000 or emailing elections@sevenoaks.gov.uk.”

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.