Electors Photo ID to Vote information

From 4^th May 2023 onwards, electors wishing to vote at polling stations will have to show an acceptable form of photo ID. Full details of the new requirement are available on the SDC website here:-

https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-democracy/voter-id-at-polling-stations.cfm

This gives details on what types of photo ID are acceptable and what electors should do if they don’t have one.

From next Monday 16^th January, anyone without suitable Voter ID can apply online for a new Voter Authority Certificate via the Gov.uk website. Paper applications can also be accepted by the Elections dept here if accompanied by a suitable passport style photo. Alternatively, electors can come into the Council Offices and we will assist them in completing the form on-line, take their photo and upload it to the portal. The Certificate will then be posted direct to them.People have to be on the electors list to be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Electors have until 25^th April to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in time for 4^th May elections. Any applications after that will enable them to vote at future elections.

We are commencing a local publicity campaign next week when the on-line portal becomes live – so watch out for our press release and social media posts. The Electoral Commission has also launched a national campaign on the TV and radio. Where we have email addresses of electors, I will send them details of the new voter ID requirement.

Please note: Postal voters do not have to produce photo ID as they do not attend the polling station and there are other security measures already in place for these.