Voter ID requirements: Burnham reported to be moving to scrap photo checks

Andy Burnham is rushing through laws to scrap photo ID checks at polling stations, according to the Sunday Telegraph, as summarised in the BBC’s newspaper review. The voter ID requirements for elections in Great Britain have not changed yet, so anyone voting in person should still plan to bring accepted ID.

Downing Street says the changes will ensure the electoral system “remains secure, fair and accessible”, according to the BBC’s summary of the coverage.

Andy Burnham election voter identification changes: what is reported

The BBC’s review of the Sunday papers is the only source for the move, and it gives few details. It does not say when the legislation will be introduced or passed, or whether every type of election would be covered. Nor does it describe the change as a Greater Manchester measure or tie it to a particular set of local elections.

As summarised, the Sunday Telegraph’s coverage questions why Labour would want to “make electoral fraud easier to commit”, calling the reason “unclear”. That is the newspaper’s view; Downing Street’s statement above is the only government response in the review. Elsewhere in the same review, the Mail on Sunday reports that Kemi Badenoch has put the Conservatives on notice for a possible pre-Christmas general election. The Sunday Times recalls Mr Burnham saying he could “knock dead” speculation about an early election. Reported.News has not seen the draft legislation, so the exact wording is unconfirmed.

Photo ID checks for voting in the UK: the rules that still apply

GOV.UK says you need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections. These include UK parliamentary elections and by-elections, recall of MP petitions, local elections in England, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales. Norwich City Council says the requirement was introduced in 2023 and applies in Great Britain for certain elections.

The ID must be the original, not a photocopy or an image on a phone. Expired ID is accepted if the photo still looks like you. Accepted documents include a UK passport, a photocard driving licence, a Blue Badge, a PASS card, an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass, and a Voter Authority Certificate. Voters who cannot produce valid ID will not be allowed to vote at a polling station, according to South Kesteven District Council.

How to vote without photo ID in the UK: steps and deadlines

If you have no accepted ID, GOV.UK says you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, a paper document carrying your photo. You must be registered to vote first. You can apply online or by post, or through your electoral registration office. You will need a digital photo and your National Insurance number, though other proof of identity can be used if you do not have one.

The deadline is 5pm six working days before the election, according to South Kesteven District Council. As an illustration, for a poll on Thursday 15 October, the cut-off would be 5pm on Wednesday 7 October. If you lose your ID after the deadline, councils say you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote. Postal voters do not need photo ID, as their identity is checked by signature and date of birth. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Until any new law takes effect, check the Electoral Commission website or your council before polling day. Norwich City Council points voters to the commission for updates.

Your questions answered

What is Andy Burnham’s new voter ID policy?

According to the Sunday Telegraph, as reported by the BBC, he is rushing through laws to scrap photo ID checks at polling stations. No detailed policy text has been published in the sources seen.

Do you need photo ID to vote in UK elections?

Currently, yes, if you vote in person in elections including UK parliamentary and English local elections, according to GOV.UK. Postal voters do not need it.

What are the changes to voter identification requirements?

None have taken effect. Downing Street says planned changes will keep the system secure, fair and accessible, but no start date is given.