The way we vote in the UK has changed. After centuries of voting in person with no ID other than a tattered polling card – and you didn’t even have to show that if you didn’t want to – government has decided that anyone who wants to cast a vote at the polling station must come bearing photo ID.
Or, if you want to vote by post, or proxy, there are new procedures for that, too.
The list of accepted photo ID that you are likely to have access to is not long. Even shorter if you are young or going through difficult times. Homeless. Or between jobs.
If you’ve already got photo ID that matches one of the approved forms, then you’re in luck.
Otherwise, if you’d like to carry on voting in the UK in 2024 and beyond, or if you want information about deadlines for doing things related to voting, read on.
The content of these pages is researched from available best sources provided by government and other official bodies, and has been checked by legal experts on behalf of TransActual. It is intended as a helpful guide to ensuring you do not lose your right to vote in UK elections in this year and subsequent years. It is not legal advice, and if you have any concerns about steps you need to take to maintain your right to vote, or any relevant deadlines, you should consult official sources online or contact the returning officer at your local council.