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Elections Act 2022 and Voter ID

The Elections Act 2022 was passed by the government in April 2022. This affects many aspects of elections and voting.

The changes apply to UK Parliamentary elections (also known as general elections) and local elections in England. They will come into force over a number of years.

The date of the next general election has not yet been announced and a snap general election could be held at any time. For more information, visit our upcoming elections page.

Voter ID

All voters are now required to show an approved form of photo ID before being issued with a ballot paper in the polling station.

Voters who do not produce approved photo identification or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be allowed to vote on polling day.

Approved forms of photo ID include:

  • a 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
  • a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
  • a biometric immigration document
  • an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
  • a Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
  • a Blue Badge
  • a national identity card issued by an EEA state
  • an Older Person’s Bus Pass
  • a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
  • an Oyster 60+ Card
  • a Freedom Pass
  • a Voter Authority Certificate or a temporary Voter Authority Certificate.

Visit the GOV.UK website for a full list of identity documents that are accepted as voter ID.

Only original documents are acceptable. Expired photo IDs will be permitted as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.

If the name on your photo ID document differs from your name on the electoral register, a marriage certificate or deed poll certificate should also be provided.

Voter Authority Certificates

Registered individuals who do not have a valid photo ID and want to vote at the polling station can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a photographic identification document that can only be used for voting purposes.

Visit the GOV.UK website to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

If you need help filling out the online form, please visit one of our libraries where a member of staff will be happy to help you.

You can also apply by filling out a paper application form. Visit the GOV.UK website to download the application form to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by post.

Send the completed application form to us at:

Electoral services
Southwark Council
PO Box 64529
London
SE1P 5LX

If you need any help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, please email electoral.enquiries@southwark.gov.uk or call us on 020 7525 7373.

Accessibility at polling stations

Additional support will be available for voters with disabilities at polling stations.

Anyone over the age of 18 can act as a companion to assist a disabled individual in casting their vote in the polling station.

Postal and proxy voting

From 31 October 2023, registered voters can apply for a postal vote online.

Voters will also be able to apply for a proxy vote online. For more information about voting by proxy, visit our voting by proxy page.   

Applicants will be asked to provide their National Insurance number or to supply documentary evidence, such as a copy of their passport or photo driving licence. This information is used to confirm the applicant’s identity before allowing the absent vote.

All proxy voters will be asked to renew their proxy voting arrangement by 31 January 2024.

New and existing postal voters will be required to reapply every three years.

Proxy voters will be limited to a maximum of four voters, of which no more than two may be on behalf of people who are not overseas or Armed Service voters.

The number of postal votes an individual can hand deliver will be limited to six postal ballots, including their own.

Additionally, political parties and campaigners will be banned from handling completed postal votes.

Overseas electors

The 15 year residence limit is due to be removed in January 2024. This means that British citizens who live overseas will be able to register to vote in UK Parliamentary elections, regardless of when they left the UK.

The registration period for overseas voters will be extended from one year to three years. Voters will be asked to renew their absent vote at the same time.

First Past the Post

The voting system for mayoral elections will change from the Supplementary Vote System to the Simple Majority Voting System, also known as First Past the Post. This change is due to be in place for the next GLA elections taking place in May 2024.

EU citizens' voting and candidacy rights

EU citizens will no longer automatically be entitled to register, vote, and stand for election.

Two groups of EU citizens will keep their voting rights:

  • EU citizens with retained rights who were residents in the UK before 1 January 2021 (for example, before the UK left the EU)
  • qualifying EU citizens from countries with reciprocal agreements, and who have leave, or do not require it, to remain in the UK (currently Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Spain).

All EU citizens on the electoral register will have their eligibility to be registered reviewed after the changes come into force. Individuals who are determined as ineligible will be removed from the register.

These changes are expected to come into force later in 2024.

Page last updated: 04 July 2024

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