Voter identification
Voters are now required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper.
This will affect all voters across North Tyneside who vote in person or by proxy, at the next local election on Thursday 2 May 2024.
Voters must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. The most commonly used ID include:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- A Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.
No suitable photo ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting.
More information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, can be found at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID. If you wish to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, please click Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you do not have access to a computer, we can send you a paper application, please call 0191 643 2270.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is Wednesday 24 April 2024.
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificates, or valid identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Postal and proxy vote
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. If you choose to vote by proxy then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification to be issued with a ballot paper.