Voter ID
From May 2023 voters will be required to show a form of photographic identification at polling stations before they are able to cast their vote.
This will affect all voters across the New Forest who vote in person or by proxy at the polling station and will be brought in for our next scheduled elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.
A full list of accepted forms of ID will be included on your poll card.
This will arrive shortly before the scheduled elections in May and will be in an envelope addressed to you.
You will likely already have one of the following:
- a UK issued Passport
- a photographic driver’s licence (including provisional)
- a European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- a UK Biometric Residence Permit
- an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- a Blue Badge
- a concessionary travel pass – for example Hampshire County Council Bus Pass
You must bring the original document. Scanned images or copies will not be accepted. Out of date identification will be accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.
If you do not have any of the accepted types of photo identification and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the gov.uk website.
You must be registered to vote to use this service.
This will be an A4 photographic identification document specifically designed to allow you to cast your vote.
If you vote by post or proxy:
You will not need ID to vote by post, you will be issued with a postal ballot as usual.
If you choose to nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf they will need to have their own ID to be issued with a ballot paper.
Follow the link below to New Forest District Council’s Website where you can find all the details and how to apply for a free voter Authority Certificate.