The deadline to register for a Voter Authority Certificate to vote at a polling station in Elections in Warwick District on Thursday 2 May, is 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024.
You need to show photo identification (ID) to vote at a polling station for the local elections in England, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales on 2 May.
Which forms of ID can I use to vote?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional license)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy. The name on your ID must be the same name you used to register to vote.
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the electoral commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you don’t have an accepted form photo ID
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for this at the voter authority certificate service.
You only need to apply for a voter authority certificate if you are voting in a polling station. There is no requirement to provide Voter ID for postal or proxy voting.
In order to apply for a voter authority certificate, you will need to provide details such as your name, address, date of birth and national insurance number. You also need to submit a passport style photo along with your application.
Once you have applied, we will process your application, and you will receive your certificate in the post. This certificate is valid for 10 years and is used for voting purposes only.
If you are unable to complete the application form or supply us with a valid photograph, please contact the elections team at Elections@warwickdc.gov.uk. We can book you an appointment to visit our council offices where we can complete the application on your behalf and also take a suitable photograph.
Register to vote anonymously
Your name and address will be on the electoral register if you register to vote.
If you think your name and address being on the electoral register could affect your safety, or the safety of someone in your household, you can register to vote anonymously.
This means you will still be able to vote, but your name and address will not be on the electoral register. Your electoral registration office will not disclose your details to anyone unless they are legally required to.
You can register to vote anonymously on the Electoral Commission website.
Anonymous Elections Documents
If you are registered to vote anonymously and want to vote at a polling station, you will need to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document for elections that require photo ID. You cannot use any other types of photo ID to vote. You will not be able to vote at your polling station without having this. In order to apply for an Anonymous Elector Document, you are required to complete a paper form only and send it to us, including a passport style photograph.
You only need to apply for this if you are an anonymous elector without a postal or proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document to use at 2 May elections is 5pm, Wednesday 24 April 2024.
Send your postal and proxy vote applications to your local electoral registration team. You can also contact them to find out if you’re on the electoral register, and if you already have a postal or proxy vote.
Warwick District Council
Town Hall
Parade
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 4AT
Phone number: 01926 456105
Email:elections@warwickdc.gov.uk
Emergency proxy on grounds relating to voter identification
Proxy voting means that if you aren't able to cast your vote in person, you can have someone you trust cast your vote for you. They must go to your polling station to cast your vote.
An elector may apply for an emergency proxy on grounds relating to voter identification if, after the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, but before 5pm on polling day, any of the following apply:
- An elector or proxy’s photographic ID, Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or so damaged that it is no longer useable after the deadline for making an application for a Voter Authority Certificate Document has passed.
- An elector or proxy has sent their accepted form of photographic ID, that they would otherwise use to vote in person, to another person to prove their identity, and they consider it unlikely that it will be returned in time for polling day.
- An elector or proxy applied for a form of accepted photographic ID including a Voter Authority Certificate Document in the 3 months before the deadline and immediately before the deadline it has not arrived, and they have not been refused or withdrawn their application.
To apply for a proxy vote, you have to complete a form and give a reason why you cannot get to your polling station in person.
Translated Resources
Translated version of the Voter ID Booklet
Accessibility Resources
May 24 Voter Booklet in English Audio
May 24 Booklet for Anonymous Voters in English Audio
May 24 Voter Booklet in English Braile
May 24 Booklet for Anonymous Voters in English Braille
British Sign Language guide to Voter ID on the Electoral Commission Youtube Channel
Easy Read Voter ID guide to the May 24 Election in English.
May 24 Voter Booklet in English Large Print
May 24 Booklet for Anonymous Voters in English Large Print
BSL: Which elections require photo ID, and which forms of ID can I use to vote? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrnYg6u7vhg&list=PLm0G6YKL5VxL48L14ncGPu1TUx-8vK8NJ&index=2
BSL: How to apply for free voter ID, if you need it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twTC9ayHedM&list=PLm0G6YKL5VxL48L14ncGPu1TUx-8vK8NJ&index=3
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoral commission voter ID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
This webpage will be regularly updated throughout the year as further information becomes available.
Last Updated – March 2024