People across Cumbria will need to show photo ID before being allowed to vote in today’s local elections.
It is the first time voters are being required to show ID. The new rules have been put in place by the government in a bid to help prevent voter fraud and keep elections fair.
Those who do not have photo ID will not be allowed to vote at polling stations at any parish or town council elections or the by-election for the vacant Old Barrow and Hindpool seat on Westmorland and Furness Council following the death of Councillor Ann Thomson in January.
From October, this requirement for voters to show photo ID will also apply to UK General Elections.
You do not have to show ID if you are voting by post in future elections.
The polls opened across the county this morning at 7am and will close tonight at 10pm. The count will take place both overnight and tomorrow morning with the first results expected just after midnight on Friday morning.
What forms of ID are accepted?
These are as follows:
- UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passports
- UK or EEA driving licences including a provisional drivers licence
- Some concessionary travel passes including older or disabled person’s bus passes
- Voter Authority Certificate
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo and you do not have to bring your poll card to vote.
What can I do if don’t have the right form of ID?
The deadline to apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate, has now passed.
For future elections, applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, national insurance number and a photograph to obtain the certificate.
Paper forms for the VAC are available from local council offices in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith and you can also apply online.
You also don’t need photo ID to vote by post, but the deadline for postal votes for the local elections has now passed.
Why are local elections taking place and why should I care?
Around 8,000 councillors are being elected for 230 councils across the UK, giving people the chance to choose who they want to represent their community.
Many of the town and parish council polls in Cumbria are uncontested, as there were the same number of people standing (or less) than there are seats on the council, but there are several areas contesting seats.
Town and parish councils are important as they make decisions that affect your local area.
These councils get involved with planning matters, crime prevention, helping local groups and charities, managing public spaces including looking after community buildings and street lighting etc. as well as campaigning for better services where needed – which includes bin services.
They also have the power to raise money through the council tax.
