Don’t miss out on your chance to vote: Free voter ID available ahead of controversial rule changes

Salfordians can apply for free photo ID ahead of voting changes for the upcoming local elections.

New rules in place for the 2023 local elections means voters will have to show valid identification to cast their ballot.

People who do not have any can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) through the government website or the council via email or post.

The Elections Act 2022 was passed, meaning voters in local elections, By-Elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and Recall Petitions require photo ID to vote in person.

This will apply to UK General Elections as of October 2023.

However, concerns have been raised by the swiftness of the rule changes. Local Government Association chairman Cllr James Jamieson said: “We are concerned that there is insufficient time to do this ahead of the May 2023 elections and for this reason are calling for the introduction of voter ID requirements to be delayed.”

Swinton Park Councillor Heather Fletcher (Labour) said: “I’m very against it. There’s no necessity for this, it will prove a big obstacle for some of our voters.”

Conservative Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Paul Scully MP said that the implementation at this time is “an opportunity to learn how the new requirements are best implemented” whilst there are no elections timetabled, and that it will “protect the integrity of our elections and stamp out the potential for voter fraud.”

What forms of ID are valid for voting?

• Passports
• Driving Licenses
• Blue Badge
• Bus passes and Travel cards
• PASS Card
• Immigration Documents
• Defence Identity Card
• European Economic Area Identity Card
• Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
• Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector’s Document

Out of date identification will still be accepted, but must look like you.

Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) online through the government’s gov.uk website.

Alternatively, you can fill out a paper form and post it to the council. It must be addressed to:

Salford City Council
Electoral Registration Officer
Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5DA

A downloadable and printable form is available on Salford City Council’s website.

Information to provide for a VAC

• Name (Same name as on the electoral register)
• Address
• Date of birth
• National insurance number
• A photo of yourself

Further information can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Alternatively, people can apply to vote by post or by a proxy vote.

The deadline to register to vote is at 23:59 on Monday 17th April.