People in Swindon are being reminded that they will need to show an approved form of photo ID if they wish to vote in the upcoming General Election on Thursday 4 July.
This will be the first time photo ID will be mandatory in order to vote at a General Election, following the Elections Act 2022.
Sam Mowbray, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “We’ve got less than six weeks before Swindon residents head to the polls for the general election. Some voters may have already used their ID at the recent Borough elections and this can be used at polling stations on 4 July.
"However, we anticipate that turnout will be higher for the upcoming general election, so there may be some voters who need to make sure they are prepared by checking they have appropriate ID in order to vote.
“We want to make sure every eligible elector is registered to vote by Tuesday, 18 June and has their photo ID ready well ahead of polling day.
"Please check the council’s website for a comprehensive list of acceptable IDs but, if you do not have the required ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, before 26 June, which will be valid for 10 years and can be used for all future elections.
“If you have family members, neighbours, or friends who may not have ID but wish to vote, please remind them to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate as soon as possible.”
Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents, and certain concessionary travel passes. A comprehensive list is available on Swindon Borough Council’s website.
To participate in the general election, electors must be registered by Tuesday, 18 June. If not already registered, individuals can apply on the Government’s website. Voters only need to register once unless they have changed their name, address, or nationality.
Voters can use expired photo ID as long as it still reasonably represents the individual. The name on the ID should match the one used during voter registration, and only original documents will be accepted.
For those without accepted photo ID, a free voter ID, also known as a Voter Authority Certificate, can be obtained by applying on the Government’s website. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June to be processed in time for the 4 July election.
Residents can also apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by contacting the Council for an application form by calling 01793 445500 or by visiting the Civic Offices reception in Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH during office hours (9am until 4pm).
Voters can conveniently apply for postal voting or proxy voting online through the Government’s website. Postal vote applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, 19 June, while the deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on Wednesday, 26 June.
Residents will need to provide their National Insurance number or another identity document when registering for either postal or proxy voting. Proxy voters must bring their own ID when voting at a polling station.
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