Guidance for Local Returning Officers administering a Police and Crime Commissioner election in England and Wales

Ballot paper refusal list and voter identification evaluation form

You must provide each polling station with a ballot paper refusal list (BPRL) to capture information relating to the voter identification requirements.

ROs may ask POs to collect data using the Voter ID evaluation form (VIDEF). Although it is not a statutory requirement to collect this information, we would recommend collecting it in order to understand the operation of the voter ID requirements at different types of election. Where you decide to collect VIDEF information at these polls, you would not be required to collate the data and submit it to the Secretary of State or to the Commission and there would also be no restrictions on the publication of the VIDEF data.

If you decide to collect VIDEF information, you should provide:

  • the Voter ID evaluation form (VIDEF)
  • the VIDEF notes sheet

​​​​The BPRL and VIDEF notes sheet are used throughout the day to capture and record information in relation to the voter ID requirement:

DocumentInformation collected
BPRL

Number of ballot papers refused on grounds of:

  • the photographic ID was not a good likeness
  • the PO believed the photographic ID was a forgery
  • the elector failed to answer the prescribed questions satisfactorily

The BPRL would be updated if an elector later returns with an acceptable form of photographic ID

VIDEF notes sheet
  • Number of Voter Authority Certificates used by electors (or proxies) as their acceptable photographic ID
  • Number of Elector's Documents used by anonymous electors as their acceptable photographic ID
  • Number of photographic ID checked in private
  • Details of electors who were not issued with a ballot paper and the number of these electors who later returned and were issued with a ballot paper

At the close of poll the PO will complete the VIDEF with the information from the BPRL and VIDEF notes sheet.

The polling station handbook provides further information how to complete these forms.

Last updated: 10 April 2024