Published on Friday 24 April 2026
Only days remain for residents to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) in time for the upcoming Town Council elections on Thursday 7 May.
Registered voters wishing to vote at polling stations on 7 May will need to show photographic identification.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport; 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.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website: electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
If voters don't have any form of photo ID, they should urgently apply for a VAC by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. This can be done online at: voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by contacting BCP Council for assistance.
Matt Pitcher, Head of Elections at BCP Council, said:
“As the deadline to apply for free voter ID looms, it is important that residents voting for town councillors in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole make sure they’re election ready.
“Some residents may not have voted in recent elections, or may have recently turned 18, so it’s crucial that those wishing to vote check they have valid ID or apply for a VAC before the deadline so that they can cast their vote at the polling station.
“The process is straightforward but if you need any help applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can call us on 01202 123400 for assistance.”
Residents will need to provide their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, to apply, as well as be registered to vote.
If voters don’t know their NI number, BCP Council will get in touch to ask for an alternative proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.
Residents will also need to provide a passport-style photograph as part of their application.
Notes to editors
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.