Voter ID – What is it?

Voting in some UK elections has changed. You now need photo Voter ID to vote in person at all elections in England.

Our hub is here to help you cast your ballot. Some research suggests that the law may have a bigger impact on LGBTQ+ people.

The Voter Authority Certificate 

A new form of photo voter ID called the Voter Authority Certificate has been introduced. It is free to acquire and is valid for 10 years. 

You can find out more about the Voter Authority Certificate via the Electoral Commission.

Postal and proxy voting

• To vote by proxy, you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote 
• To vote by post, you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote 

*If you cannot apply online, you can download and complete application forms on the same pages, (find link under “Other ways to apply”)

The voter registration online user journey has changed. At the end, the ‘register to vote’ application form no longer links directly to the postal application option.

you must now provide your national insurance number when applying for postal and proxy voting. If you do not have a national insurance number or your identity can't be verified with it, then you may be asked to provide other forms of identification to prove your identity. You will also need to provide your signature and date of birth as part of your application.

Previously, a person could act as a proxy (someone who votes on your behalf) for an unlimited number of close relatives and two other people. Voters are now limited to acting as a proxy for two UK- based voters, regardless of their relationship. Anyone voting on behalf of UK voters who live overseas can act as a proxy for up to four people.

You do not need to provide your national insurance number for emergency proxy applications.

Find out more about proxy voting via the Electoral Commission.

Eligibility updates for EU citizens in England

The rights of EU citizens have changed. If you are a qualifying European Citizen (EU) citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights who is over the age of 16, then you can register to vote.

Qualifying EU citizens and EU citizens with retained rights aged 18+ are able to vote in local elections, such as council elections and mayoral elections.

Permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (also called Leave to Enter or Remain) refers to a legal immigration status. 

You can check whether you are eligible to vote using the Electoral Commission’s online tool.

Support for disabled voters

More support is being provided to disabled voters. Anyone over the age of 18 can now accompany a disabled person to vote. Accessibility provisions are now in place at polling stations, including assistance with voting, ramps and nearby parking for disabled voters.

Overseas voters

The 15-year limit on voting rights for UK citizens living abroad has been removed. British citizens living overseas who have previously lived or been registered to vote in the UK are eligible to register and vote in UK Parliament elections using the last address that they resided at in the UK.    

Electoral services will verify an applicant’s identity and check previous residence or registration at the given address.

If you a registered as an overseas voter, you can vote in person if you are in the UK on election day or you can apply to vote by post or by proxy. 

Overseas voter registrations will need to be renewed within 3 years.

You can find about voting if you live overseas via the Electoral Commission.