Frequently Asked Questions
Have you got questions about Voter Registration or Voter ID?
Do you want to find out more about voting and your civic and democratic rights?
The answer might be on this page.
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Voter ID public awareness campaign
The Greater London Authority (GLA), also known as London City Hall, is the London regional government, with jurisdiction over Greater London and the City of London. The GLA is made up of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.
Shout Out UK (SOUK) is an impartial creative social enterprise with a specialist focus on raising media and political literacy amongst young people. SOUK has been the delivery partner for the GLA - coordinated London Voter Registration Week between 2020 and 2024.
For the impartial Voter ID public awareness campaign, SOUK will promote and share all the resources, including social media assets and suggested social media copy to ensure impartiality at all times, and education materials with communities and partners across London and with education institutions.
The Elections Act (2022) has brought changes to the way we vote and who can vote.
Hence, since January 2023, the Greater London Authority and a diverse coalition of civil society organisations, education institutions and all London borough electoral services have come together to deliver an impartial public awareness campaign. The campaign aims to inform all eligible Londoners, particularly under-registered and under-represented Londoners of all backgrounds, about these unprecedented changes, such as:
- The introduction of mandatory photo identification to vote in person in Parliamentary/ General elections, local/ borough elections, and Mayor of London/ London Assembly elections in London.
- Changes to the voting rights of some EU Londoners
- Changes to applications for postal and proxy voting
The GLA - led public awareness campaign is coordinated with the Electoral Commission and delivered by Shout Out UK (SOUK). Building on the annual London Voter Registration Week model, the GLA and SOUK have co-designed information and education materials with under-represented communities who will be disproportionately impacted by these changes. Materials and activity will be shared and take place online and offline with the support of a broad, pan-London coalition of partners.
In parallel, and to complement this activity, successful bidders to the GLA Democratic Participation grants programme will deliver activity in trusted community settings. You can find more information on the GLA Democracy Hub at https://registertovote.london/
It's an annual non-party political, impartial, non-election specific project run by the Greater London Authority, in partnership with a delivery partner, the London Voter Registration Strategic Partnership and a broad coalition of support, to inform and encourage Londoners – especially under-registered and under-represented Londoners – to register to vote.
The changes to democratic rights brought in by the Elections Act (2022) pose significant barriers to already under-registered and under-represented Londoners, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
London already has one of the lowest voter registration rates across the UK regions and nations. Find out more at https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/survey-of-londoners-2021-22
Evidence from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (February 2022), Trust for London and the3million (“London Voices: The Journey to Full Participation”, December 2021) and GLA polling (between August 2022 and January 2024) identifies the demographics and communities that are least likely to have an accepted photo ID to vote. These are:
- young Londoners (aged 18-25)
- Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and migrant Londoners, including EU Londoners
- D/deaf and disabled Londoners
- older Londoners
- LGBTQIA+ Londoners, with a focus on trans and non-binary Londoners
- low-income Londoners
- social and private renting Londoners, and Londoners in precarious housing, including homeless Londoners
The GLA did not introduce photo ID to vote and only has powers to raise awareness and try to address the equalities implications.
If you are a civil society organisation and want to help us spread awareness and distribute our resources, to ensure we reach as many Londoners as possible please reach out to the GLA Democratic Participation team via democracy@london.gov.uk
If you wish to express concerns about the introduction of photo ID to vote, you can email correspondence@communities.gov.uk or write to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Requirement to show photographic identification to vote in person
Accepted photo ID to vote cannot be any form of ID. Londoners will need to possess and present one of these accepted forms of photo IDs recognised in law as the proof of identity required to be able to vote:
- A United Kingdom passport
- A passport issued by an European Economic Area (EEA) state or a Commonwealth country
- A national identity card issued by an EEA state
- A UK driving licence (with photo, paper licences will not be accepted)
- A driving licence issued by the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
- A biometric immigration document
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- A Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- Older Person’s Bus Pass, Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, Oyster 60+ Card, Freedom Pass
- A Blue Badge
- A free Voter Authority Certificate.
Please note that you need to take the original form of photo ID with you to the polling station. Photocopies of documents and photos on your phone will not be accepted.
People will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. There is more information on the Electoral Commission’s website on all the accepted types of photo ID at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id.
If they are not in this list, other photo IDs issued by third parties will not be accepted as proof of identity to be able to vote.
The Electoral Commission has published national guidance on https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id.
You can find the impartial GLA Voter ID campaign resources and further information on how to get involved on the GLA Democracy Hub at https://registertovote.london/
You can apply for, renew or update your licence, view or share your driving licence at https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences
You can apply online for a British passport at https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. You can pick up passport application forms from your local Post Office (find your branch at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder) and apply by post, or use the Post Office Check and Send service (more info at https://www.gov.uk/how-the-post-office-check-and-send-service-works).
You can find out more about the 60+ London Oyster photocard at https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/60-plus-oyster-photocard
You can apply for or renew a Blue Badge at https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge. For questions about the Blue Badge scheme contact your local council at https://www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-council .
Your local Citizens Advice might be able to support. Find your local branch at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
The requirement for photo ID to vote in person has been applicable at local elections in England from May 2023. The first time it applied in pan - London elections was the 2 May 2024 Mayor of London and London Assembly elections. The requirement for the UK Parliamentary/ General elections took effect for elections after 5 October 2023, and in any individual parliamentary by-elections after May 2023.
The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of photo ID. These have been decided by the UK Government.
The UK Government has provided more information about which forms of photo ID are accepted and which are not, along with the criteria considered. You can find that on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/voter-identification-at-polling-stations-and-the-new-voter-card/protecting-the-integrity-of-our-elections-voter-identification-at-polling-stations-and-the-new-voter-card
If you go to the polling station to vote with no accepted photo ID, you will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo ID.
If you produce an original accepted photo ID on your return, you should be able to vote.
If you would prefer not to show a photo ID at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post. It is not required when you apply for a proxy vote, but your proxy will be required to show their own accepted photo ID at the polling station, when they vote on your behalf.
Photo ID checks at the polling station will be looking to confirm that the name on your photo ID is the same as your name on the electoral register. Staff will not be checking the gender marker, address or nationality on your ID.
If your name is different on the electoral register to your photo ID, you can:
- bring an official document with you as proof of the name change, for example a marriage certificate (as well as your photo ID)
- you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate using the name that you are registered to vote with and a recent photo https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
- or you can contact your local electoral services team to change your name on the electoral register https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
Yes, a private space will be available in the polling station for this purpose. You can ask for your photo ID to be checked in private. Such requests should be handled discreetly and with courtesy.
No, you do not have to give a reason for this request, and you should not be asked to explain why.
The name on your photo ID should be the same name that you used to register to vote. You do not need to show a photo ID that includes a gender marker.
If you don’t have photo ID, feel worried about using an existing form of photo ID which has a gender marker, or aren’t sure if you still look like the photo on your ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. A Voter Authority Certificate does not have a gender marker.
If your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged, and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/apply-vote-proxy
This only applies in an urgent situation that occur after the normal proxy vote deadline. This form can also be used if your Anonymous Elector's Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged. These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.
Free Voter Authority Certificate
If you do not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID to vote, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. It can only be used for voting purposes, not as a form of ID, and it is valid for 10 years. You will need to provide a photograph, your date of birth and National Insurance number as part of the application. If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply. Your council will contact you to request alternative proof of your identity.
You can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
Or you can fill out a paper application form at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1137587/VAC_public_facing.pdf and send this to your local council. You can request the instructions in Large Print, Braille or Easy Read.
To get in touch with your local electoral services team, enter your postcode here - https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
The free Voter Authority Certificate will show your full name and photograph, the issuing local council, an appropriate identifier (reference including numbers and letters allocated by the council), the date of issue and a recommended renewal date.
As part of the application process for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide a recent photo. Requirements for the photo are similar to requirements for passport photos and must show your head and shoulders with nothing covering your head – unless a head covering is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face must not be covered for any reason.
Photo style
The photo must be of the applicant:
Please note this does not apply where the applicant is unable to provide a photograph which complies with either or both of those requirements due to any disability
Photo quality
The photo of the applicant must:
Photo size
Where the applicant applies online, the photograph they provide must be:
Where the applicant applies using a paper form, the photograph must be:
If you need any help with applying for a free Voter Authority Certificate, taking a photo for your application or want to request a paper application form, you can contact the electoral services team in your borough council.
You can find their contact details by entering your postcode at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
You can find more information at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
Yes, you can apply for Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector’s Document at any time, but the deadline for applications for a particular election is 5pm, 6 working days before polling day.
To find out more information, including how your application will be determined, check this Electoral Commission guidance issued to Electoral Registration Officers: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/running-electoral-registration-england/voter-authority-certificates-and-anonymous-electors-documents/deadlines-applications-voter-authority-certificates-or-anonymous-electors-documents-a-particular
No, the Voter Authority Certificate is for voting purposes only and cannot be used as proof of identification for any other reason. It will not be accepted as a proof of age or proof of address document.
Registering to vote
Yes, registering to vote remains the first step to exercising your democratic rights. You will need to register to vote well in advance of election day, so make sure to prep ahead!
To register to vote you can head to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and fill in the online form. It only takes a few minutes. All you need is your National Insurance (NI) number. Your NI number is used in the registration process as a unique identifier, the easiest and quickest way to confirm who you are. But don’t worry if you don’t know or don’t have an NI number – just leave your contact details during the online registration process, and your local council electoral services will get in touch.
All new applications to register to vote are data matched against central government records. Where a match cannot be found, you will be sent a request for 'Evidence of identity'. You should respond as soon as possible, otherwise your application may be rejected.
The evidence of identity needs to be provided online or in print to your borough electoral services. You can either provide:
- One “Primary identification document”, or
- One “trusted government document” and two “financial/ social history documents”, or
- Four “financial/ social history documents”
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Any current passport |
| Biometric residence permit | UK issued only |
| EEA identity card | Must still be valid |
| Photo card part of a current driving licence | UK/Isle of Man/Channel Islands (full or provisional) |
| Northern Ireland Electoral ID card |
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Old-style paper version of a current driving licence | UK only |
| Current photo driving licence | Any other than UK and Crown Dependencies |
| Birth certificate | UK and Crown Dependencies only |
| Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate | UK and Crown Dependencies only |
| Adoption certificate | UK and Crown Dependencies only |
| Firearms licence | UK and Crown Dependencies only |
| Police Bail sheet | UK and Crown Dependencies only |
| Document | Notes | Issue date and validity |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage statement | UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 12 months |
| Bank or building society statement | UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 3 months |
| Bank or building society account opening confirmation letter | UK and Crown Dependencies | Issued in the last 3 months |
| Credit card statement | UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 3 months |
|
Financial statement (for example, pension or endowment) |
UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 12 months |
| Council Tax statement | UK and Crown Dependencies | Issued in the last 12 months |
| Utility bill (except mobile phone bill) | UK and Crown Dependencies | Issued in the last 3 months |
| P45 or P60 statement | UK and Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 12 months |
| Benefit statements (for example, child benefit, pension) | UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 3 months |
| Central or local government, government agency, or local government department giving entitlement (for example, from DWP, Job Centre Plus, HMRC) | UK, Crown Dependencies, or EEA | Issued in the last 3 months |
Yes, you can still apply through the online voter registration portal, but you must leave your contact details. Your council electoral services will then get in contact to verify your identity through alternative means to complete the process. For example, you may be asked for a birth certificate, utility bills or bank statements. This means you can still register to vote, even if you don't have your National Insurance number to hand.
You can register to vote if you are resident (usually live) in London and are aged 16 or over (but you will not be able to vote until you are 18).
Currently, British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth, qualifying EU citizens and EU citizens with retained voting rights residing in London can register and vote.
In line with the British Nationality (Eswatini, Gabon and Togo) Order 2023 which amends the British Nationality Act and came into force on 15 December 2023, citizens of Togo and Gabon are now able to register to vote as qualifying Commonwealth citizens.
British citizens living overseas who have previously lived or been registered to vote in London are eligible to register and vote in UK Parliament elections using the last address that they were resident in London.
You can check your eligibility at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/which-elections-can-i-vote
If you are a qualifying European Citizen (EU) citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights who is over the age of 16 and residing in London, then you can register to vote in London.
Over the age of 18 qualifying EU citizens and EU citizens with retained rights are able to vote in local elections, such as London borough council elections and the Mayor of London/ London Assembly elections.
A qualifying EU citizen is an EU citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, or Spain who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission.
An EU citizen with retained voting rights is an EU citizen of any other EU country who on or before 31 December 2020 had permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who did not need permission, and this has continued without a break.
Permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (also called Leave to Enter or Remain) refers to a legal immigration status.
You can check your eligibility and the elections that you can vote in at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/other-registration-options/voting-if-youre-eu-citizen-living-uk
If you are a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who is over the age of 18 and residing in London, then you can vote in all elections, including the UK General/ Parliamentary elections and referendums, London local/ borough council elections and the Mayor of London/ London Assembly elections.
If you are a qualifying European Citizen (EU) citizen or an EU citizen with retained rights who is over the age of 18 and residing in London, then you are only able to vote in local elections, such as London borough council elections and the Mayor of London/ London Assembly elections.
A qualifying EU citizen is an EU citizen of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, or Spain who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who does not need permission.
An EU citizen with retained voting rights is an EU citizen of any other EU country who on or before 31 December 2020 had permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, or who did not need permission, and this has continued without a break.
Permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (also called Leave to Enter or Remain) refers to a legal immigration status.
For up-to-date information check https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/.
No, it's a common misconception. In London, and the rest of England, you can register to vote from 16 years old, but you won't be able to vote in an election until you're 18.
Yes, you can. Many people do not have a fixed or permanent address, and some might be homeless. You can still register to vote at a place where you either have the most local connection or spend most of your time, by making a declaration of local connection. There is a specific form for registering in this case - you can find it at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-to-vote-if-you-havent-got-a-fixed-or-permanent-address
No, you must re-register to vote if you ever change your address, your legal name or your nationality. Dual nationals should re-register when they get their British citizenship because it carries with it full voting rights.
You can register to vote at any time. However, your application to register is not processed immediately, so it is best to register as soon as possible in advance of any upcoming elections. The exact date for the voter registration deadline in any particular election will be advertised in advance, but typically the deadline is around two weeks before election day.
Voting is not mandatory in the UK. So, if you’re registered to vote you have the option to vote or not. But you cannot vote if you are not first registered to vote.
Benefits of registering to vote and having an accepted photo ID to vote
Registering to vote enables you to exercise your fundamental democratic rights, which were hard won and are not available to all Londoners.
Being registered to vote also improves your credit score because potential lenders are able to refer to the electoral register to verify your name and address. The electoral register is also used to select participants for jury service – diverse juries are more likely to result in fairer verdicts.
You decide if you want to vote or not. But, making sure you are registered to vote and have an accepted photo ID to be able to vote, allows you to have your voice heard on the issues that matter to you, your family and your community, London's and the country’s future.
My data
If you think your name and address being on the electoral register could affect your safety, or the safety of someone in your household, you can apply to register to vote anonymously. The steps required for this process are available at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote/register-vote-anonymously.
If you're registered to vote anonymously and want to vote in person, you'll need to apply for an Anonymous Elector's Document. You can find more info at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote/register-vote-anonymously#anonymous-electors-document.
If you are concerned about the security of your personal information, namely about being on the ‘open register’ which can be purchased by third parties, you are always able to ‘opt-out’ of the open register during the online registration process. You will remain on the ‘full register’ which is used by borough electoral services (for example to send out poll cards before elections) and for checking loans applications/ credit score checks. This is different to being registered anonymously, where your details will not appear on either the ‘open register’ or the ‘full register’.
Ways of voting
Once registered to vote, you can vote in person at a polling station on election day; vote by post (if you are not around on election day, for example, if you are on holiday); or vote by proxy (which means asking someone else you trust to cast your vote for you, for example if you are ill).
To vote by proxy, you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.
To vote by post, you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
If you cannot apply online, you can download and complete a proxy vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms or a postal vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office, or request an application form be sent to you in the post.
You can find the details of your borough electoral services at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
No, you will not need to show a photo ID to vote by post or by proxy.
Your proxy will need to show their own photo ID at the polling station, when they vote on your behalf. To vote in person at the polling station you will need an accepted photo ID to vote.
To vote by proxy or by post you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote or https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
If you cannot apply online, you can download and complete a proxy vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms or a postal vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office, or request an application form be sent to you in the post.
You can find the details of your borough electoral services at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
Changes to proxy voting took effect from 31 October 2023.
There is now a limit on how many people one person can act as a proxy for, this includes family members. You can vote by proxy on behalf of a maximum of two UK-based voters or up to four non-UK-based voters (i.e. overseas British voters).
You can apply for some types of proxy vote online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote. You will not be able to apply online if your application needs attesting (required for people who are registered to vote anonymously) or if you are applying for an emergency proxy vote.
If you cannot apply online, you can download and fill in a proxy vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office, or request an application form be sent to you in the post.
You can find the details of your borough electoral services at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
Both online and paper applications will require ID verification (except for emergency proxy votes). You will not need to provide a photo ID to vote by proxy (your proxy will need an accepted photo ID to vote on your behalf). There are other identification checks, including verification of your signature and date of birth.
For up-to-date info on proxy voting check https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/apply-vote-proxy
Transitional processes will be in place if you have an existing arrangement to vote by proxy. You can update an existing proxy vote by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
Changes to postal voting took effect from 31 October 2023.
A successful postal vote application will be valid for you to vote by post for a maximum period of three years. After three years, you will need to re-apply if you want to continue to vote by post.
You can apply for a postal vote online or if you cannot apply online, you can download and complete a postal vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office, or request an application form be sent to you in the post.
You can find the details of your borough electoral services at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
You will not need to provide a photo ID to vote by post. There are other identification checks, including verification of your signature and date of birth. For up-to-date info on postal voting check https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post
Transitional processes will be in place if you have an existing postal vote. You can update an existing postal vote by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
If you aren’t able to post your postal vote in time, you can take it your polling station or to your local council on polling day. Voters will be only able to hand in their own postal vote, and the postal votes of up to five other people, at a polling station. Campaigners can only hand in their own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people that are either close relatives, or someone they provide regular care for. All individuals handing in postal votes to local authority offices or polling stations will need to complete a postal vote return form.
The Elections Act (2022) brought changes to the voting system for the Mayor of London elections. The way we vote for the London Assembly has not changed.
Mayor of London election
The Mayor of London is now elected using the First-Past-the-Post system. You can vote for one person, by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your preferred choice/ candidate. The person with the most votes will become Mayor of London. This system is also used for the UK Parliamentary / General elections.
The London Assembly is made up of 25 Assembly Members (AMs)- 11 represent the whole capital and 14 are elected by constituencies.
Constituency London Assembly Member
The constituency London Assembly Members are elected using the First-Past-the-Post system. You can vote for one person, by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your preferred choice/ candidate. The person with the most votes will become your constituency’s London Assembly Member. A constituency is usually made of two or three London boroughs.
London-wide Assembly Member
The pan-London Assembly Members are elected using the Additional Member system, whereby the number of votes cast for each party equate proportionally into the number of AMs seats won by that party.
You can find out more about the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on London Elects at https://www.londonelects.org.uk/changes-how-we-vote
British citizens living overseas who have previously lived or been registered to vote in London are eligible to register and vote in UK Parliament elections using the last address that they were resident in London.
You can register to vote at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Electoral services will verify an applicant’s identity and check previous residence or registration at the given London address.
If you a registered as an overseas voter, you can vote in person if you will be in London on election day or apply to vote by post or by proxy.
Overseas voter registrations will need to be renewed within 3 years.
You can find out more at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/other-registration-options/voting-if-you-live-overseas
Voting in person
If you are registered to vote in person, a polling card will be sent to your registered address before election day. This card will include the address of your assigned polling station - you can only vote at that polling station, and it is likely to be a local public building such as a school, faith or community centre. It will be open between 7am and 10pm on election day. Don’t worry if you lose your polling card – you don’t need it to vote (unless you’re registered to vote anonymously) and you can find your polling station by entering your postcode at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
All polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm on election day. Some might have greeters who will welcome voters before they enter the polling station and ask them if they brought an accepted form of photo ID to be able to vote in person.
Once in the polling station, you can expect the following:
- A staff member will ask you for your name and address, and check that you are on the electoral register.
- They will ask to see your photo ID, check that it's accepted (more info at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id, and that it looks like you. If you are registered to vote anonymously (more info at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote/register-vote-anonymously), you will be asked to show your poll card and Anonymous Elector’s Document (AED). A private area will be available should you choose to have your photo ID viewed in private. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
- Once your photo ID has been successfully checked the staff member will cross your name off the register and give you a ballot paper listing the candidates you can vote for. You might be given more than one ballot paper if there is more than one election taking place in your local area on the same day.
- Take your ballot paper (or papers) to a polling booth, so that you can vote in secret. Read the instructions on the ballot paper carefully. Some elections use different voting methods, so you need to make sure you fill in each ballot paper correctly.
- Complete your ballot paper using the pencil provided in the polling booth. You can also use your own pen if you want to. Don't write anything else on the paper, or your vote may not be counted. If you make a mistake, don't put your ballot paper in the ballot box. Ask the polling station staff for a replacement ballot paper and fill it in again.
- Once you're done, fold your completed ballot paper and put it in the ballot box.
To allow polling station staff to check you look like your photo ID, you will be asked to briefly remove your face covering so they can see your face. Face coverings can be worn for the rest of the voting process.
You can ask for a female member of staff to check your photo ID if you prefer, and polling station staff will accommodate this, if possible.
You can ask for your photo ID to be checked in private. A private space will be available in the polling station for this purpose. Such requests should be handled discreetly and with courtesy. You do not have to give a reason for this request, and you should not be asked to explain why.
A mirror will be available so you can ensure your face covering is in place correctly before leaving the private area.
If you refuse to remove your face covering and staff are unable to check your photo ID, this may mean that you will not be issued your ballot paper, so might not be able to vote.
To allow polling station staff to check you look like your photo ID, you will be asked to briefly remove your face mask so they can see your face. This requirement applies if you are an immuno-suppressed voter or wear a mask for other health reasons.
You can ask for your photo ID to be checked in private. A private space will be available in the polling station for this purpose. Such requests should be handled discreetly and with courtesy. You do not have to give a reason for this request, and you should not be asked to explain why.
If you refuse to remove your face mask and staff are unable to check your photo ID, this may mean that you will not be issued your ballot paper, so might not be able to vote.
Polling station staff will look at the photo on your photo ID and the name to check that this matches your name on the electoral register. If you are unsure if your photo will be recognised, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate with a recent photo of yourself. More info at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
If your concerns relate to your gender presentation, the Voter Authority Certificate does not include a gender marker.
Following the Elections Act (2022), Returning Officers – officials who oversee elections – are now required to make provisions for disabled people to enable an independent and secret vote. Returning Officers must follow Electoral Commission accessibility guidance.
To support blind and partially sighted voters, all polling stations are required to have:
Returning Officers are also required to anticipate what is needed in their area and can provide additional equipment, such as audio devices to enable someone to vote independently and in secret. Read more about the Electoral Commission guidance for Returning Officers at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-returning-officers-assistance-voting-disabled-voters/ensuring-voting-accessible/providing-equipment-polling-station-enables-or-makes-voting-easier-disabled-voters.
You can ask polling station staff on the day, and they will assist the best that they can. To make sure things are as smooth as possible for you, you can write to your local Returning Officer or local electoral services, to notify them that you require reasonable adjustments to be able to vote independently. To find their contact information, you can use the Electoral Commission’s postcode look up tool at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information, and use RNIB’s template notification letter to get in touch, available at https://www.rnib.org.uk/documents/1604/Notification_template_for_individuals_to_send_to_Returning_Officers.docx
Guidance has also been issued to polling station staff to make it clear that mobile phone apps (such as “Seeing AI” which can use Artificial Intelligence to read out printed text), or video magnifying devices, can be used by blind and partially sighted people to vote as a reasonable adjustment.
If you experience any issues at the polling station or want to give feedback about your experience, you can contact the electoral services team at your local council. To get in touch with your local electoral services team, enter your postcode here - https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
Voting anonymously
When someone registers to vote, their name and address will appear on the electoral register.
If someone is worried that their name and address being on the electoral register could put their safety at risk, they can apply to register as an anonymous voter.
This is how entries usually appear on the electoral register:
FBC412 Vella, John 59 Green Lane
BC413 Vella, Veronica 59 Green Lane
This is how anonymous entries appear on the electoral register:
BC602 N
The ‘N’ signifies that this entry relates to an anonymously registered voter. This means people registered to vote anonymously will still be able to vote, but their name and address will not be on the electoral register.
Anyone who wants to register to vote anonymously will need to:
- Complete an application form
- Explain why their safety, or the safety of someone in their household, would be at risk if their details were on the electoral register
- Submit evidence to support their registration
- Return the application form, explanation and evidence to their local council
You can download a guide to registering anonymously, created in partnership with Women’s Aid at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/who-can-vote/register-vote/register-vote-anonymously. You can find the print application form at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-02/Register-to-vote-anonymously-resident-in-England_0.pdf
If you need help to register to vote anonymously, you can contact your local council. To find their contact details, enter your postcode at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
Anonymous electors wishing to vote in person at the polling station will need to produce an Anonymous Elector’s Document as their accepted photo ID. This is a document containing your elector’s number and a photo produced by your local Electoral Registration Officer following verification of your identity. As an Anonymous elector you cannot use other forms of accepted photo ID. You will be required to produce your poll card and anonymous elector’s document when voting in person.
Everyone who is already registered to vote anonymously, or who registers to vote anonymously ahead of the elections, will be invited to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document by their local council. You can also contact the local council to request one. You can find their details by entering your postcode at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
When applying for an Anonymous Elector’s Document, you will need to provide your:
If you don’t know your National Insurance number, you can look for it on your payslips or on official letters about tax, pensions or benefits. If you are unable to find it, you can still complete your application, and you will be asked to provide alternative forms of ID to verify your identity, which could include a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill. Your council will contact you to arrange this if you leave your contact details.
You can also ask someone who knows you to provide an attestation to the local council to verify your identity if you don’t have any other accepted proof of identity. Your local council can provide more information on who can provide an attestation. You can find contact details for them by entering your postcode at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information
An Anonymous Elector’s Document has the words ‘Elector’s Document’ written on the top, and does not refer to the voter’s status as being registered to vote anonymously.
An Anonymous Elector’s Document includes:
If you are an anonymous voter, you need to bring your Anonymous Elector’s Document when you go to the polling station. You do not need to bring an additional form of accepted photo ID with you.
Anonymous voters will need to bring both their poll card and their Anonymous Elector’s Document when they go to their polling station.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a member of staff, who will:
A private area will be available at polling stations so you can have your Anonymous Elector’s Document viewed in private. This may be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
No, if you would prefer not to vote in person at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy. Your photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post or by proxy. Your proxy will be required to show their own accepted photo ID at the polling station so they can vote on your behalf.
To vote by proxy or by post, you can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote or https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
If you cannot apply online, you can download and complete a proxy vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms or a postal vote application form at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office, or request an application form be sent to you in the post.
You can find the details of your borough electoral services at https://www.gov.uk/contact-electoral-registration-office.
To find more about how to vote anonymously, check https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/how-vote-anonymously.
Legal and digital imprints
Legal (printed materials) and digital (digital materials) imprints state who is responsible for publishing campaign and political materials and whom they are promoting it for (i.e. who paid for it) to provide transparency. So, if you’re unsure who is trying to inform or influence you, you can check the imprint.
Here is the example of an imprint template we use with our community delivery partner and grantees:
“Supported by the Greater London Authority, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE. Printed and promoted by [name of organisation], [registered address of organisation].”
You can find further information on imprints at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/imprints
Further accessible materials and other resources for voters
Every year, the GLA creates digital and print resources in the most widely spoken London community languages. You can find them on the GLA Democracy Hub at https://registertovote.london/. There you can also find resources for D/deaf and disabled Londoners.
The Electoral Commission also produces its own UK -wide information materials which you can access at https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/
As a grantee for phase 1 and phase 2 of the GLA Voter ID campaign grants programme, LGBT Hero created a Voter ID hub with resources for LGBTQIA+ communities, including specific resources for trans and non-binary voters. You can find them at https://www.lgbthero.org.uk/pages/category/lgbtq-photo-voter-id-london-elections
Traveller Movement were also a GLA Voter ID community grantee, and you can find their resources for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers at https://travellermovement.org.uk/operation-traveller-vote
The Muslim Council of Britain has produced some guidance that is available at https://mcb.org.uk/local-elections-2023-voter-id-and-face-coverings/
As a phase 2 GLA grantee, New Europeans UK have also created impartial resources in various community languages to support EU Londoners navigate their democratic rights. These are available at https://neweuropeans.uk/voter-id-awareness/.
All materials and activity relating to the GLA - coordinated Voter ID public awareness campaign and the annual London Voter Registration Week are completely impartial and non-party political. Neither the GLA, nor Shout Out UK can be perceived to support any political party or candidate and, as such, we do not share opinions on how Londoners should vote.
One of the exciting things about registering to vote and making sure you have an accepted photo ID to be able to vote is learning about your potential local or national representatives and deciding who you want to represent you and your interests. You can do your own research at https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/ and make up your own mind.
Remember, your vote is your voice and your voice matters! #NoVoteNoVoice