Voter ID – what this means for blind and partially sighted people

Date posted: 1st December 2022

Ahead of changes to elections across Britain, the Government has published details on which photographic identification (voter ID) will be accepted at polling stations. Here, we summarise what this means for blind and partially sighted people.

From May 2023, voters in Great Britain will be required to show an approved form of ID at polling stations in order to vote.

This is a key part of the Elections Act 2022. The Government believes the introduction of photo ID will improve the security and integrity of elections by reducing voter fraud.

Anyone who does not have one of the required forms of photo ID will be able to get a free voter identification document called a “Voter Authority Certificate” from their local council.

Thomas Pocklington Trust is working closely with central Government to make sure the new Voter Authority Certificate, which will be provided free of charge to anyone without a valid ID, is accessible to blind and partially sighted people. We are also working closely with the Electoral Commission to raise awareness of the changes ahead of the elections in May, so that no blind or partially sighted people are unable to vote.

If you’d like to hear more about our Make Voting Accessible campaign or about how you can support our work, sign up to our campaign newsletter.

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What voter ID will be accepted?

The voter ID that will be accepted at polling stations includes:

  • 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

 

If you attend a polling station with no approved form of photographic identification, you will be advised to leave and return with appropriate identification.

 

More information on the Government’s voter identification policy can be found on the gov.uk website.

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