Voter ID resources for the May 2025 local elections in England

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 includes the local elections in England on 1 May 2025.  

This requirement also applies to UK Parliament general elections, by-elections and recall petitions, all 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. Find our resources for anonymous voters here.

May local elections in England

On 1 May, local elections will take place in some areas of England. 

Resources available include:

  • Guide to Elections
  • An A5 summary ‘insert’ for voters
  • Posters
  • Social media graphics and template social copy
  • Website and newsletter copy
  • Press resources

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.

An Easy Read guide to the 1 May elections will be made available in due course.

Poster translations available

Social media translations available