Sandwell residents need photo ID to vote at elections in May
Residents in Sandwell are reminded they will need to show photographic ID
at a polling station when they vote for a local councillor on Thursday 2 May. One seat will be up for election in each of Sandwell’s 24 wards, as well as the Combined Authority Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.
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 can apply for free ID online or by completing a paper form. The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the requirements and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID Shokat Lal, Sandwell Council’s Returning Officer said: “With elections taking place in Sandwell on 2 May 2024, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID.
It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May. “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, you can go into any Sandwell library or the Council House at Oldbury where staff will be happy to help with your application. “If you need to speak to someone about your photo ID, or to request a paper application if you can’t make one online, please call 0121 569 6999.” Voters wishing to apply for free photo ID should first make sure they are registered to vote. The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act and came into effect for the first time in May 2023. Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, 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 new requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission’s website.”