Don’t Lose Your Vote! Photo ID Now Required for Cornwall Elections

Cornwall residents planning to vote in the upcoming Cornwall Council and town and parish council elections on 1st May 2025 will need to show photo ID at polling stations.

Register Before the Deadline

To take part in the elections, residents must be registered to vote before midnight on 11th April. Registration can be completed online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you intend to vote in person, you must bring an accepted form of photo ID.

What ID is Accepted?

A range of photographic ID is valid, including:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Government-issued older or disabled person’s bus pass
• Blue Badge
• Defence Identity Card
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) hologram

A full list of accepted ID can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website: electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id.

Out-of-date ID is still valid as long as it resembles you, and your name should match your voter registration details.

Need ID? Apply for Free Before 23rd April

Anyone without an accepted form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by submitting a paper form. Applications must be received by 5pm on 23rd April.

Returning Officer Kate Kennally said:

“With elections taking place in Cornwall on 1st May, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Cornwall Council electoral services team.”

For help applying for free ID or to request a paper application form, contact Cornwall Council’s elections team on 01872 324 196 or email voter-registration@cornwall.gov.uk.