General Election 2024 Voting: What You Need to Know on the Day

Date posted: 2nd July 2024

The countdown begins in what will be the first UK General Election where all voters will have to show a valid form of photo identification before casting their vote.

The following information helps ensure that you can exercise your right to vote independently and have your voice heard. On Thursday 4th July, the polls will open from 7am to 10pm.

 

Photo ID

If you are going to the polling station to vote in person, you will need to present photo identification.

What voter ID will be accepted?

  • A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
  • A driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state (includes a provisional driving licence)
  • A biometric immigration document
  • An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
  • A Blue Badge
  • A national identity card issued by the EEA state
  • An Older Person’s Bus Pass
  • A Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
  • An Oyster 60+ Card
  • A Freedom Pass
  • A Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
  • A 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
  • A Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
  • A Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • A Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • A War Disablement SmartPass or War Disabled SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • A 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • An Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
  • Expired documents, such as passports, will also be accepted providing they still provide a good likeness of you and reflect your current address

 

At the Polling Station

All polling stations must have the necessary support to assist blind and partially sighted voters. This includes:

  • a tactile voting device
  • a large print copy of the ballot paper for reference
  • magnifiers
  • additional lighting
  • ensure polling station staff are available to guide you to the voting booth and assist you in marking your vote if needed.

 

If you prefer to request somebody to help you at the polling station or/and vote on your behalf, they will be required to make a written declaration that you have asked for assistance. The person helping you must be over 18 years old and can be your own companion or a member of the polling station staff.

You can also request a reasonable adjustment by writing to your local Returning Officer or local electoral services.

If you are planning to vote in person, you can visit the Electoral Commission website and enter your postcode to find contact details for the electoral services team at your local council and the details of your nearest polling station.

 

It is not too late to contact your candidates

TPT have launched our own manifesto for the General Election, Eyes on Equality, which sets out what we think are the top priorities for a new Government over its first 100 days, first year and first term to address the issues faced by blind and partially sighted voters.

You can ask the candidates seeking your vote to put blind and partially sighted people at the top of their agenda by sharing our manifesto with them using our easy e-action.

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