You need photo ID to vote at a polling station This new requirement will apply for the first time in Sandwell at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following to vote at a polling station:

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

• A passport
• A photo driving licence (including a provisional licence)
• A Blue Badge
• A biometric immigration document
• A national identity card
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• An Older Person’s Bus Pass
• A Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• An Oyster 60+ Card
• A Freedom Pass
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• And some other forms of photographic ID

You can still use photo ID if it's out of date as long as it still looks like you.

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

And if you don't want to vote at a polling station you can apply for a postal vote or proxy vote.

How to get a free Voter Authority Certificate

• For voters living in Sandwell - for more details and to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/elections2023 You will need your National Insurance Number.
• Call the council’s Voter ID helpline on 0121 569 6999.
• Go into any Sandwell Library or Sandwell Council House in Oldbury for help to apply for free photo ID.
• If you vote in another local authority area, please check the Electoral Commission website.
• The deadline to get a Voter Authority Certificate to vote in this year’s Local Elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.

Checking photo ID at a polling station and privacy

All communities are reassured that photo ID can be checked in private. A privately screened area will be provided for anyone who wishes to have their ID checked in private. Head coverings will need to be removed in this area for a voter’s identity to be checked. All polling stations will have a female member of staff to do these checks. Mirrors will be provided for voters to replace head coverings in comfort.

Postal votes

There are no changes to the way people vote by post. If you are registered to vote by post, you will receive your ballot paper pack and vote in the same way.
Anyone who wishes to apply for a postal vote should do so before 5pm on Tuesday 18 April to vote by post in this year’s elections.

Proxy votes

You can also apply for a proxy vote so someone you trust can vote on your behalf. A proxy voter will need to show their own photo ID in the polling station.

Further questions?

The answers to frequently asked questions can also be found on the council website: www.sandwell.gov.uk/voterIDFAQs