What Photo ID Is Acceptable For Voting?

Whether you're a student or a full-time worker, you may be uncertain on the UK's new voter ID rules and how this will impact the way you vote in the upcoming general election on the 4th July 2024.

Since the Elections Act 2022 was passed, Britons have been required to present a form of photo ID when voting in some elections, including the local elections in May 2023 and May 2024.

And now, 4th July marks the first time that identification for in-person voting has been required in a general election in the UK.

This means that in order to cast your vote, you'll be required to show photo ID at the polling station.

This new requirement is a significant shift from previous elections, where voters were simply required to provide their name and address when voting. So understandably, it has caused some confusion, with up to 30% of young people aged 18-24 reportedly unaware of the voter ID requirements.

So if you're feeling a little lost, we're here to explain which type of photo ID is acceptable for voting, why these changes have been made and how you can ensure you're prepared for election day!

What are the new voter ID requirements and why were the changes made?

Starting with the local elections in May 2023, all voters in the UK have been required to present an accepted form of photo ID at their polling station to cast their vote.

This change is allegedly part of the government's efforts to reduce electoral fraud and ensure that every vote cast is legitimate, however it has been criticised by some campaigners as a voter suppression tactic.

Acceptable Forms of Photo ID

The government has provided a list of acceptable photo IDs that can be used at polling stations. These include:

• Passport: Both UK passports and passports issued by EEA (European Economic Area) countries or Commonwealth countries are accepted

• Driving Licence: A full or provisional driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state

• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card): This is where TOTUM can help - we'll explain more below!

• Blue Badge: A Blue Badge parking permit can also be used as valid photo identification

• Older Person’s Bus Pass: Bus passes issued by local authorities that include a photograph

• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

• 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London

• Freedom Pass

• Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)

• 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

How to get TOTUM PASS ID

TOTUM members can get their very own PASS Proof of Age ID when you buy a TOTUM card for £14.99 - and this doesn't just apply to students but to professionals and apprentices, too!

Your TOTUM PASS ID card is an acceptable form of photo ID for voting, which is super handy for the upcoming election.

Having a TOTUM + age ID card validates your name and age with your photo; we use either your passport or UK driving licence during the online, in-app sign-up process. This means you don't need to take your passport or driving licence out with you when casting your vote!

Best of all, you can apply for your student ID card via the TOTUM app, so there's no extra paperwork to complete and you don't need to post your passport or driving licence to us to apply. Everything is done via the TOTUM app.

Preparing for the general election

To ensure you're ready to vote in the upcoming general election, follow these steps:

1. Check Your ID:

   Review the list of acceptable photo IDs for voting and ensure you have one that is valid and current. If your ID is expired, consider renewing it.

2. Apply for Free Voter ID:

   If you do not possess any of the accepted forms of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate through your local council. Ensure you apply well in advance to receive it before election day.

3. Register to Vote:

   This one is extremely important - you have until 11.59pm on 18th June to register to vote and can do this online by visiting the Gov UK website!

4. Stay Informed:

   Keep up-to-date with any further announcements by checking official government websites and communications.