Make sure you have ID to vote

Hello everyone. This week I want to remind you that you will need photo ID to vote in person at this year's local elections.

Don't blame the council - this is a new Government law which will affect every district in England.

In fact, the council has serious concerns about this, and debated the matter at last week's meeting - to listen to the arguments, go to Council Stream - Live meeting stream 18 January 2023 (Council Stream).

In short: at May's elections, anyone who goes to a polling station will be required to show photographic ID of who they are before being allowed to cast their vote.

Various types of ID will be accepted, such as a passport or driving licence - for the full list, see here: How to vote: Photo ID you'll need (Gov.uk).

However, many residents do not have suitable photo ID - the Government estimates that could be up to 5,000 people in Bury alone.

If you are in that position, you can apply to get a Voter Authority Certificate - for all the details, go to Apply for photo ID to vote (Voter Authority Certificate) (Gov.uk).

The changes will not apply to postal voters, who make up around a quarter of voters in Bury.

Being able to vote is the very foundation of living in a democratic society. The last thing anyone wants is for people to be turned away from polling stations because they haven't brought ID.

Please don't wait until the last minute - check now to see if you have photographic ID and, if you don't, apply for a local ID now.