DO YOU want to vote in the upcoming local elections?
Make sure that you bring I.D. following a shake-up of electoral law.
Reading Borough Council has announced that photographic identification will now be required to participate in local elections following government changes to voting rules.
National legislation which comes into effect on Thursday, May 4, will mean that the government requires voters to show photographic I.D. when attending polling stations.
Those voting in person can use a passport, driving license or provisional license, a Blue badge, or biometric immigration documents to prove their identity.
Certain concessionary travel cards such those given to the elderly, including bus passes and Oyster 60+ cards, are permissable.
Identity cards bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram are permissable, as are Defence Identity Cards and certain other national identity cards.
Expired forms of identity are still permissable as long as they are still recognisable from the photograph.
Those without a valid form of I.D. can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the government website, or by requesting a printed form via Reading’s Electoral Services Team.
The deadline for applying for a VAC is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.
They can also vote by proxy (through another person chosen by the voter) or by post, which will not require photo I.D.
Michael Graham, Reading Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “It may seem early to be talking about getting ready for the local elections on May 4, but changes brought in this year mean it is important to check now.
“If you have voted at your local polling station for many years, it is easy to fall back on your same routine, but all residents will need to bring the right photographic ID with them when they come to vote in their Polling Station.
“If they don’t bring ID, then they will be asked to return home to find ID before they can vote.
He continued: “A list of acceptable photographic ID is readily available to check online. If residents don’t have a photographic ID, then they can apply to the Council for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
“There is, of course, an easy alternative to voting in person and having to show ID, which is to apply for a postal vote– you can do that via the Council’s website.
“I’d also urge anyone who is unsure to make sure they are registered to vote. If you are not registered, it only takes 5 minutes online and can be done at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
The government introduced the Elections Act 2022 in April last year, aiming to tackle voter impersonation, which is a crime.
There were 315 cases of alleged electoral fraud investigated by the police during the national elections in 2021, more than half of which were committed or supposedly committed by campaigners or their opponents.
None of these cases led to a conviction, and police issued cautions in just one case.
If residents need any help with applying for a VAC, or want to request a paper application form, they can contact the Council’s Electoral Services team at elections@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 3717.
For more information about taking part in local elections, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
