Published on Monday 26 February 2024
Voters in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area are being reminded that they need to show an accepted form of photographic identification for forthcoming elections.
In May, elections will take place for the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.
A UK general election must also take place before the 28 January 2025 and could be called at short notice.
Voters will need to bring a valid form of photo ID in order to vote in both elections.
This requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced under the UK Government’s Elections Act, and was in place during Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s local elections last year.
With voter turnout for a general election expected to be greater than for a local election, BCP Council is urging residents to make sure they are ready to vote by checking now for an accepted form of ID. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driving licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
If voters don't have accepted photo ID, they can apply right now for a free voter ID document, which is known as a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’.
Graham Farrant, Returning Officer at BCP Council said:
“The next 12 months will feature two very important elections that offer our residents the chance to have their democratic say.
“The introduction of voter ID at last year’s local elections was a challenge our residents responded to, with only 0.1% of people that wanted to vote in BCP on the day finding they did not have the right ID to be able to do so.
“However, we will have two elections within the next 12 months, including a general election, and many new voters who have turned 18 since 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 and prepared for whenever the general election is called.”
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections – or wishes to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate - must also be registered to vote by Tuesday 16 April 2024.
Residents can check to see if they are already on the electoral register by calling 01202 123400, or emailing elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and find out more information on BCP Council’s elections at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/councillors-committees-and-elections/elections-and-voting
Those needing to register to vote can do so at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Residents will not need to provide photo ID to vote by post. To apply to vote by post, applications must reach the council by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024.