Photo ID and other Elections Act changes
From 5 October 2023, the UK Government has introduced the requirement to show photo identification when voting at a polling station. This applies to all types of elections and referendums within England.
For information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Please also note that expired ID is still valid as long as it bears a likeness to you.
If you have no form of acceptable photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by visiting voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk and completing the application.
The only exception to the above applies to anyone registered anonymously, who must apply for an Anonymous Elector Document in order to vote at a polling station. Please contact the Electoral Services team using the contact details below for guidance.
Changes to Postal and Proxy voting
From 31 October 2023, you will need to apply for your absent vote online through the new government scheme: gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
You will also now need to provide your National Insurance Number to register for your absent vote.
Other changes
Postal:
- Postal voters must reapply to vote by post every 3 years.
- Political Parties and Campaigners are banned from handling postal votes.
- The number of postal packs a person can hand in either at a polling station or election offices has been limited to 5 plus their own. They will also need completed a form for every postal pack handed in.
If you wish to know more about how to vote by post please click this link.
Proxy:
- A person will only be able to act as a proxy for up to 2 people living in the UK and a further 2 that live overseas.
If you wish to know more about how to vote by proxy please click this link.
Contact us - Electoral services
01235 422528
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
