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Voting at a polling station

Photographic voter ID

Since May 2023 it has been a requirement to show legally accepted photographic identification (ID) when you vote in person at a polling station. A list of acceptable ID documents is included below.

If you own an accepted form of photo ID but it has expired, it can still be used if the photo is still a good likeness of you.

The next scheduled elections are GLA elections on 4 May 2028.

Acceptable forms of photo ID to vote in elections:

  • a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
  • a driving licence issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
  • a UK passport
  • a passport issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
  • a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • a Blue Badge
  • a biometric residence permit (BRP)
  • a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
  • a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (MOD form 100)
  • a national identity card issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
  • a Voter Authority Certificate
  • an Anonymous Elector’s Document

You can also use one of the following travel passes as photo ID when you vote:

No suitable Photo ID - apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)

If you do not have any of the accepted forms of ID, you can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate - this is a photographic identity document specifically for the purpose of voting.

If you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, make sure you do so in good time ahead of polling day. The statutory deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm, 6 working days before a given polling day.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form. If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, please contact elections.office@bexley.gov.uk or call the Elections team on 020 3045 3615.

Electors who do not produce valid photo identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.

Poll cards

If you are registered and eligible to vote at a polling station, you will be sent a poll card. Your poll card will inform you of the date of the election, where your polling station is and the hours of poll. If you are an absent voter, your poll card will remind you of this and provide instructions on how to vote. If you are a postal voter, your poll card will tell you when to expect to receive your postal vote.

Poll cards are normally delivered to all registered electors around three weeks before an election. They are normally delivered before the deadline to apply for a postal or proxy vote. The poll card is for information purposes only. 

You don’t need a poll card to vote but you must present valid photo ID.

When you get to the polling station

You will be invited to provide you name and address and show your photo ID when you arrive at the polling station. Once your photo ID has been checked and your identity confirmed, your name will be checked off the electoral register, and you will be given a ballot paper. Polling booths are provided to allow you to cast your vote in secret. You will not be able to vote again in the same election.

If you need help marking your ballot paper, for example, due to disability, you may ask the presiding officer to help you. Alternatively, a companion may accompany you to the polling booth to help you make your mark. You must inform the presiding officer if you wish to do this as they must make a record of the number of votes not marked by the elector. This is to protect against voter fraud.

There will be a notice in the polling booth indicating how many candidates you can vote for. If you vote for more candidates than you are entitled to, your vote will not be counted.

After marking your ballot paper, you should fold the ballot paper before placing it in the ballot box. The ballot box will be kept in a prominent location next to the staff working at the polling station.

There will be a notice in the polling booth indicating how many candidates you can vote for. If you vote for more candidates than you are entitled to, your vote will not be counted.

After casting your vote, you should fold the ballot paper and place it in the ballot box, which will be situated next to the polling station staff.

Reasonable adjustments

You have the right to vote independently and in secret. If you have a disability, you can ask for adjustments or equipment at your polling station to help you vote.

Use our online form to tell us what adjustments you need.