Voter ID resources for any election
Supporting people with the voter ID requirement
In the UK voters are legally required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at some elections.
This requirement applies to UK Parliament general elections, by-elections and recall petitions, local elections in England, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.
It does not apply at Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, or council elections taking place in Scotland or Wales.
Download our resources
Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities and charities, can play an important role in supporting voters to ensure they have photo ID ahead of any election when the requirement applies.
We have created a range of resources to support people to register to vote, identify which forms of photo ID are accepted when voting, and to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if needed. This pack includes information tailored to the needs of groups we know are more likely to experience barriers in meeting this requirement and who may need support to access photo ID.
We have also published resources tailored to the needs of people who are registered to vote anonymously, or who might benefit from doing so, such as domestic violence survivors.
Guide to Elections
Download the Guide to Elections
Our Guide to Elections provides the key information voters need to be able to vote, including information on the voter ID requirement.
The guide contains information on:
- Registering to vote, including how to register without a fixed address
- The voter ID requirement
- Which elections require photo ID
- Accepted forms of ID
- Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
- What to expect at the polling station
- Other ways to vote; voting by post or proxy
Guide to Elections - versions available
Information is also available in the following accessible formats:
You can also watch the BSL Guide to Voter ID on our YouTube channel
- Easy Read guides to local elections can be found on the My Vote My Voice campaign website, which the Electoral Commission supports
A5 Insert
Our A5 summary insert can be included in mailings to voters, such as council tax bills or annual canvass communications. The insert has been designed as a template that councils can use to share information on their upcoming elections with voters in their area.
If you are a local authority and would like to add your council logo and insert details of an upcoming election, please contact [email protected] to request the design files for the template.
Posters
Use our posters to raise awareness of the voter ID requirement, including the ability to apply for free voter ID.
The posters come in both ‘ready-to-print’ and ‘commercial print’ options – make sure you choose the right ones for you.
Social media posts and graphics
Download the ready to post social graphics
Ready to post graphics are available for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. These can also be shared through community WhatsApp groups.
Download the ready to post social copy
Use our template copy to share key messages about the voter ID requirement on your social channels.
Quick Guide to Voting
We have created a new series of animations that explain the voting process step by step, including voter ID. These animations have been developed to be shared by partners on their digital channels.
The series consists of a "teaser episode" for you to share the series with your audience, and also nine individual episodes which focus on specific topics.
Which elections require photo ID
Which forms of free photo ID can you use to vote
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
What to expect at the polling station
Checking your photo ID at the polling station
Support at the polling station
The full England series can also be viewed on our YouTube channel.
English
Which elections require voter ID
Which forms of voter ID can you use
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate
What to expect at the polling station
Checking your photo ID at the polling station
Support at the polling station
Welsh
Pa etholiadau sy’n gofyn am ID pleidleisiwr
Pa fathau o ID pleidleisiwr allwch chi eu defnyddio
Gwneud cais am ID pleidleisiwr am ddim
Gwneud cais am Dystysgrif Awdurdod Pleidleisiwr
Beth i'w ddisgwyl yn yr orsaf bleidleisio
Gwirio eich ID ffotograffig yn yr orsaf bleidleisio
Cymorth yn yr orsaf bleidleisio
The full Wales series can also be viewed on our YouTube channel in English and Welsh.
Suggested social media copy to accompany the series and teaser in English and Welsh