One Week Left for Voter ID Applications

THERE is just one week left for residents to apply for free Voter ID. Applications need to be made by 5pm on Tuesday April 25.

National changes mean that for the first time ever, residents who choose to vote in person at a polling station on Thursday May 4 will need to show photo ID. Where a voter turns up at a polling station without ID, they will be asked to return home to find ID before they can be issued with a ballot paper. A poll card alone will not entitle someone to vote.

Residents who do not have an accepted form of ID can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate – known as a VAC - at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate  but time is running out to make the application. It only takes five minutes.

The alternative is for residents to complete a paper application form for a VAC by contacting the Council’s Electoral Services team at elections@reading.gov.uk or by calling 0118 937 3717.

Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and 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. For a full list of the ID which can be used go to the Electoral Commission website.

Michael Graham, Returning Officer at Reading Borough Council, said:

“As the deadline to apply for free ID looms, it is important that residents of Reading make sure they’re election ready. If you already hold an acceptable form of ID, you do not need to apply. For those residents who do not have the right ID, it is important they know they have until Tuesday April 25 at 5pm to apply.

“Anyone who needs advice or help with applying for free ID, or wants to request an application form, can contact the electoral services team on elections@reading.gov.uk or 0118 937 3717.”

Voting in person at a polling station is just one of several options for residents on polling day. They can also vote by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. A reminder that the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm today (April 18). The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. Find out more on both of these options at https://www.reading.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/local-borough-elections-2023/

Residents are being advised to take a minute to check their polling card card carefully when it arrives to ensure their details and voting method is correct.

Residents can visit the FAQ page on the website at Local borough elections and casual vacancy 2023 - Reading Borough Council to find out more about the elections on 4 May 2023. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Residents with questions can also contact their local elections team at Elections@reading.gov.uk