Three Rivers residents need photo ID to vote at elections in May

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/or by completing a paper form. Applications must be submitted before the deadline at 5pm Wednesday 23 April.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

Proxy Vote Deadline

Anyone wishing to apply for a proxy vote must also do this by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April. You must be registered to vote to apply for a proxy vote. You can find more information on proxy voting here.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation at the Electoral Commission, said:

“Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission’s website.”

Jo Wagstaffe, Returning Officer at Three Rivers District Council, said:

“With elections taking place across Hertfordshire on 1 May, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team.”

The elections team can be contacted on: elections@threerivers.gov.uk / 01923 776611.

For more information contact the Three Rivers District Council’s Electoral Services team via this form or call 01923 776611, or the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. Election for Hertfordshire County Council are taking place in Three Rivers in May 2025

2. From 1 May, HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards can be used as voter ID.

3. To apply for the Voter Authority Certificate, voters will need to provide a photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their National Insurance number.

4. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is responsible for the voter ID policy and for the free voter ID application system. Enquiries relating to the application system or the policy itself should be directed to MHCLG.

5. The Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring voters are aware of the voter ID requirement, and for supporting local authorities with the process. Questions related to the public awareness campaign should be directed to the Electoral Commission.

6. Local authorities are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level.