Millions of us are set to go to the polls on Thursday 2nd May, 2024, but the way we vote has changed. You must bring photo ID, or “voter ID” with you, in order to be eligible to cast your ballot. Get ready to vote today, in three simple steps.
Check if there is an election in your area on the Electoral Commission website.
British, Irish, EU, and qualifying Commonwealth citizens can all vote in local elections.
Make sure you are registered to vote:
Register by 11:59pm on 16 April 2024 to vote in the following elections on 2 May 2024:
For the upcoming May 2nd elections, having a valid photo ID is mandatory to vote but if you don’t have one then you can still apply for a voter ID that will allow you to get involved. This section covers acceptable IDs and how to secure one if needed.
International travel
Local travel
Proof of age
Other government issued documents
You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.
You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. Find out more about the rules around expired ID.
If you do not have a valid photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter ID document called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’. The deadline to apply for a free voter ID document is 5pm on Wednesday, 24th April 2024. Apply for a free voter ID document here.
Another option is to apply for a postal vote. To vote by post, you must prove your identity when applying and reapply for a postal vote every three years. The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the elections on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April. You must also be registered to vote by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April. Apply here.
Our communities are stronger when we put aside our differences and come together.
But across the UK there is a small but committed core of far-right candidates standing for election with histories of extreme views, legal troubles and divisive tactics.
Voting is the best way to show that the far-right are not welcome and they do not have support. For your family and your community, choose HOPE over hate on 02 May.
And share this page with your friends and family, to let them know that the way we vote has changed, and remind them to take their Photo ID when they vote.
You can also download this information and share it with your connections, here.
