Voter ID

The UK Government has passed a law that will change the way you vote in UK Parliamentary and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections. This law is called the Elections Act 2022.

This law does not apply to Senedd, Gwynedd Council and Community Council Elections. The legislation for these is set by Welsh Government.

 

Voting at polling stations

You will need to show an approved form of photo ID at polling stations when there is a Police and Crime Commissioner election; and an UK Parliamentary election (from October 2023).

What photo ID you can use

• You must show an approved form of photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence.
• Only original documents are accepted. Scanned images or copies will not be accepted.
• If your photo ID has expired, it will be accepted if the photograph is still a good likeness of you.

The most commonly used and accepted forms of ID include:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA status or a Commonwealth country
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID card
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person’s Bus Pass
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• Oyster 60+ Card

If you are unsure whether the form of Photo ID you currently have is accepted, you can find more information on the accepted forms of ID on the GOV.UK website:

• GOV.UK: Accepted forms of ID on the GOV.UK 

Or e-mail our Electoral Services team:

• etholiadau@gwynedd.llyw.cyrmu

 

What to do if you do not have an approved form of ID

If you do not have an approved form of ID, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

• Apply online for a VAC through the GOV.UK website .

You can also contact our Electoral Services team to request a print of this form.

• etholiadau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru 

Once you receive your VAC, it will have no expiry date. However, it is advised that you renew your VAC in 10 years to ensure the photo remains a true likeliness of you.

The deadline to apply for a VAC will be 5.00pm, six working days before the election date.

 

Voting by post or proxy

If you choose to vote by post, you will not be affected and will be issued with your 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 photo ID. If they do not have photo ID, they will not be given the ballot paper.

 

Further changes to the electoral system

For more information on this act, you can visit the Electoral Commission website .