Millions of voters are heading to polling stations today for crucial local elections in England, and they are being reminded to bring photo identification. A total of 5,013 councillor seats are up for grabs across 134 of England's 317 councils, including 32 London boroughs, six county councils, and six unitary authorities such as the newly created East Surrey and West Surrey.
Labour is defending 2,557 seats, the Conservatives 1,362, and the Liberal Democrats 684. An additional 410 seats are held by other parties, including independents. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 10 p.m.
Voter ID Requirements
Voters must present photo identification at polling stations before receiving their ballot paper. This requirement was introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a move that drew significant criticism over concerns that thousands might be disenfranchised if they lacked ID or forgot to bring it. It is important to note that elections for the Welsh and Scottish Parliaments do not require photo ID.
The Electoral Commission has published a comprehensive list of accepted IDs. Niki Nixon, director of communications and external affairs, stated: "If you're planning on voting at the English local and mayoral elections, don't forget to bring photo ID. You'll need to show it to polling station staff before they give you your ballot paper. Don't risk being turned away; check you have ID with you before heading to the polling station."
For those without ID or whose Voter Authority Certificate has not arrived, an emergency proxy can be appointed to vote on their behalf. This must be arranged with the local council before 5 p.m. on election day, and the appointed person must have their own acceptable photo ID.
Full List of Accepted Photo IDs
International Travel Documents:
- 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 (including an Irish Passport Card).
Driving and Parking Documents:
- Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional driving licences).
- A Blue Badge.
Local Travel Documents:
- Older Person's Bus Pass funded by the UK Government.
- 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 concessionary travel (including 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.
Proof of Age:
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card).
Other Government-Issued Documents:
- Biometric Immigration Documents, including eVisas.
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card).
- Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card) – valid only for elections on or after 1 May 2025.
- National identity card issued by an EEA state.
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland.
- Voter Authority Certificate.
- Anonymous Elector's Document.
