Reminder issued on voter ID requirement for General Election

Ahead of the expected UK Parliament general election, Orkney and Shetland residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.

All people voting in person at the general election will now need to show photographic ID at the polling station. Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, Scottish National Entitlement Card  (Saltire Card), older persons or disabled persons bus pass, and Young Scot 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.

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

Andy O’Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper at the UK general election. 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.”

Oliver Reid, Orkney Islands Council Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the Orkney and Shetland Constituency, said: “With a UK general election due before the end of January 2025, 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 when the election is called." 

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 the Electoral Registration Office in Orkney at 8 Broad Street, Kirkwall. Tel: 01856 876222, email ero@orkney.gov.uk or to the Electoral Registration Office in Shetland at 20 Commercial Road, Lerwick, ZE1 0LX Tel: 01595 745700, email ero@shetland.gov.uk.  

Ends

Notes to editors

It is for the Prime Minister to set the date of the UK general election, but it must take place by 28 January 2025.

Voters will need to show photo ID before voting in UK Parliament general elections, by-elections and recall petitions in Scotland. It is not a requirement at Scottish Parliament or council elections in Scotland.  

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.

The UK Government’s Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities 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 the Department.

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.

Local Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level.