South Ayrshire Council residents need ID to vote at the next UK General Election

With the next UK Parliament General Election due to take place on Thursday 4 July, South Ayrshire residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID. 

Everyone who chooses to vote in person at the general election will now need to show photographic ID at the polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport; photocard driving licence; older persons or disabled persons bus pass; and Young Scot card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. 

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online or by completing a paper form. More information can be found at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission's website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID:  www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID  

South Ayrshire Council's Chief Executive, Mike Newall, said: "With a UK General Election taking place on Thursday 4 July, it's important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of photo ID. 

"Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the Electoral Registration Office on 01292 612221 or visit the ERO office at 9 Wellington Square, Ayr."

Andy O'Neill, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland, said:

"Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper at the UK General Election. It's important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission's website."