Bring ID to vote for the next election
Voters are now required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. You can find out more about the Elections Act 2022 on GOV.UK.
This will affect all voters across Lincoln who vote in person or by proxy, at the next local election on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Voter ID - Plain Text Guide (For Blind and Partially Sighted)
Voters must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. The most commonly used ID include:
- 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
- Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- UK Biometric Residence Permit
- An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)*
- A Blue Badge
- Oyster 60+ Card
- A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority**
** For example Lincolnshire County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card.
Only original documents are accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness. See full list of photo ID accepted at GOV.UK
British Sign Language users can find this information here.
No suitable photo ID?
If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting.
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on GOV.UK.
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificates, or valid identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
British Sign Language users can find this information here.
Postal and proxy vote
Postal voters will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. If you choose to vote by proxy then the person who you have trusted to vote on your behalf will have to take their own identification to be issued with a ballot paper.
Accessibility at the polling station
To find out if your polling station meets your accessibility requirements, please email electoral@lincoln.gov.uk. For any specific requirements, please complete the below form and we will assess what is reasonably practicable.
Polling Station Accessibility Form
If you already use devices or Apps on a mobile phone that would assist you in your polling station, please feel free to use these, but photographs must not be taken inside the polling station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of ID are acceptable as Voter ID?
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.
- 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)
- Driving licence (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state)
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person's Bus Pass
- Disabled Person's Bus Pass
- Oyster 60+ Card
- Freedom Pass
- Scottish National Entitlement Card
- 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
- Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person's SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- Biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- National identity card issued by an EEA state
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
- Voter Authority Certificate
- Anonymous Elector's Document
Can I use out of date ID?
You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. If it is different, then you will need to provide evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll).
What if I haven't got an acceptable form of ID?
You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:
- you don't have an accepted form of photo ID
- you're not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
- you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason
You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.
What if you can't produce photo ID and don't want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid photo ID will not be allowed to vote at a polling station.
Voters who vote by post will not have to provide photo ID to vote.
What is the deadline to apply for a free voter ID for the elections in May?
If you need to apply for a voter ID, you need to make the application by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
What if I lose or damage my Voter Authority Certificate before polling day?
In the unfortunate event that you lose your Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023, you can apply for a new certificate.
In situations where an elector’s photographic identification (including a previously issued Voter Authority Certificate) has been lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged beyond use after the application deadline, the Electoral Returning Officer will be able to allow the appointment of an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day.
How long will the Voter Authority Certificate be valid for?
The Voter Authority Certificate will show a recommended renewal date of 10 years. This is to make sure the photo remains a good likeness of the elector. This is the same time as a photo renewal for a passport or a driving licence.
What happens if I miss the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
If you do not apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023 and you do not have other accepted photo ID available, you will not be able to vote in person at a polling station.
Can I show a copy of my ID on my phone or other electronic device?
No, only original documents will be accepted; scanned images or copies will not be accepted.
Can I use my poll card as ID?
No, your poll card will not be accepted as a form of ID as the accepted ID is photo only.
What will my ID be used for?
Your ID will be used to make sure you are who you say you are by checking the photo matches the person presenting themselves as that person.
We don't take copies of ID - it's purely for proof on the day.
I would like my identity checked in private, is this possible?
Yes, once you have stated your name and addres upon arrival, we will have an area for electors who request to have their identity checked in private. Most polling stations will have male and female staff available.