Remember to bring your photo ID for the general election

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.

In Fenland, electors will be voting for an MP for the North East Cambridgeshire constituency and in two by-elections - the Whittlesey South Ward of Fenland District Council and the St Andrews Ward of Whittlesey Town Council.

Accepted forms of photo ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID and for it to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private if they like. Anyone that would like further information about what to expect at a polling station can contact our elections team on 01354 654321 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 12noon) or email: elections@fenland.gov.uk

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: "Anyone voting in the general election will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station, double check you have the right identification with you to enable you to vote.

"If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close and cast your vote."

A Fenland District Council spokesperson added: "With only days to go, make sure you're ready for the general election and Whittlesey by-elections on the 4 July. Before heading to the polling station on election day, check that you've got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you. If you need any help, you can contact the elections team on 01354 654321 or email: elections@fenland.gov.uk.

"If a voter has concerns about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, they can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won't need to give a reason for their request or explain why they'd prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy."

The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on our Voter ID page.

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else's behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID. For more information, visit our Emergency proxy page.

Further information for voters

Poll cards

Voters should check the details on their poll cards and to note the location of their polling station which may have changed. You do not need to take your poll card to the polling station to vote.

Polling stations

Polling stations will be open on Thursday 4 July from 7am to 10pm. Your poll card shows where your polling station is. You can also check where your polling station is using our postcode tool.

Postal vote handling

Postal voters are advised to read the information sent through to them carefully when it arrives, especially in relation to new rules regarding handing in completed postal votes or votes on behalf of other people. Postal voters are requested wherever possible to send back their completed postal vote pack via Royal Mail as soon as possible to help manage demand. More information is available on our postal voting webpage.

Accessibility 

Everyone should be able to cast their vote without facing barriers. A new law, the Elections Act 2022, sets out extra support which we must provide, if you have a disability or accessibility need. This includes bringing another person to the polling station for support. More information on accessibility at polling stations.

If you would like extra help with voting or registering to vote, you can contact our Elections Team on 01354 654321 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 12noon) or email: elections@fenland.gov.uk

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June 2024