Remember to bring your photo ID to the Tamworth parliamentary constituency by-election

Residents are being urged to remember their photo ID when they go to vote in the Tamworth parliamentary constituency by-election on Thursday 19 October.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. This is a new requirement introduced by the UK Government that came into effect for the first time at local elections in May.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID and for it to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private if they like. Anyone that would like further information about what to expect at a polling station should contact the local authority.

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:

“Anyone voting at the by-election will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station, double check you have the right identification with you to enable you to vote.

“If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close and cast your vote.”

Andrew Barratt, Returning Officer at Tamworth Borough Council, said:

“With only days to go, make sure you’re ready for the by-election on the 19 October. Before heading to the polling station on election day, check that you’ve got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you. If you need any help, you can contact the electoral services team on elections@tamworth.gov.uk, phone 01827 214 155 or for Lichfield residents elections@lichfielddc.gov.uk, phone 01543 308 125.

“If a voter has concerns about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, they can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won’t need to give a reason for their request or explain why they’d prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy.”

The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.