Campaign underway to raise awareness of Photo ID election requirement

31/03/2023

Anyone wanting to vote must have an acceptable form of photo ID

Local Elections are now just 5 weeks away with canvassing by many of those planning to stand already underway.

For those wishing to vote, simply turning up at the Polling Station on the day will not give you access to a polling booth.   New rules mean that voters must now show photo ID when casting their vote.

Who takes the role of Councillor for one third of the seats on Cherwell District Council will be decided on Thursday May 4.   The new voter ID requirement is in place across the country and Cherwell has launched a district-wide public information campaign to make people aware and highlight the options available to them.

Photo ID which will be accepted at polling stations includes a passport, photographic drivers licence, a blue badge and an Oxfordshire County Council Bus pass, alongside a number of other items.  Those without photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificates.   The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday April 25.

Yvonne Rees, Returning Officer, said: “To complement the national campaign to raise awareness of the new requirement, we’re rolling out a comprehensive information campaign to make sure everyone across the district plans ahead to ensure they have everything that they need to vote.

“Photo ID is not needed for postal voting, but if you’re voting at a polling station you should check that you have an accepted form of ID. Most eligible voters will have ID they can use, but if not, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online, on a paper form, or in person. We are here to help and our staff will be on hand across the district running pop-up stalls to help electors.”

Council staff will be hosting pop-up stalls to advise people about the voter ID requirement at Banbury Market on April 20.

Anyone who has moved home since they last registered to vote, has changed their name, or recently turned 18 will need to register to vote before midnight on April 17 if they want to have their say on polling day.

A list of those who are standing will be published by 4pm on Wednesday April 5.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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