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5d ago

England's Local Elections to Enforce Expanded Photo ID Rules

Voters must present approved identification, including newly accepted veteran cards, with emergency proxies available for those without ID.

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Overview

  • Polling stations in 23 English local authorities will be open from 7am to 10pm on May 1, 2025, for elections involving 1,641 council seats, six mayoral contests, and a parliamentary by-election in Runcorn & Helsby.
  • Voters are required to show approved photo ID, such as passports, driving licences, or older person's bus passes, before receiving their ballot papers.
  • The armed forces veteran card is being accepted as valid voter ID for the first time, following an October 2024 law update.
  • Those without acceptable ID can appoint an emergency proxy by contacting their council before 5pm on election day; proxies must also present valid photo ID.
  • The Elections Act 2022 introduced these ID requirements, first enforced in 2023, with an estimated 16,000 voters turned away during the 2024 general election for lacking proper ID.