You will need to bring ID to vote for the next election

From May 2023, voters will be required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. You can find out more about the Elections Act 2022  on GOV.UK.

This will affect all voters across Dartford who vote in person or by proxy, at the next local election scheduled for Thursday 4 May 2023.

Voters must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station. The most commonly used ID include:

• 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
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram  (PASS card)*
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ Card
• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (Kent County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card)

PLEASE NOTE: Only original documents are accepted; scanned images, electronic versions or copies will not be accepted - however expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

Full details of the ID that will be accepted can be found HERE

No suitable photo ID?

If you do not have any of the accepted photo ID, and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specific for the purposes of voting. 

The application process is available here. 

Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid identification will not be allowed to vote on polling day.

Please do not apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you already have an acceptable form of ID such as a passport or driving licence.

Voter ID FAQs

What if my appearance has changed on my photo ID?

If you look totally different on your ID, we recommend that you apply for Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline (by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023) to prevent you from not being able to vote.

Can I use a poll card as ID?

No, it must be an approved form of photographic ID.

What happens if I forget or lose my ID on the day?

Apart from Voter Authority Certificate holders, all other electors will have to leave the polling station to find their ID or get another form of ID. If you do not have anything else to prove your identity you will be unable to vote.

Can I get a Voter Authority Certificate on the day?

No, applications for Voter Authority Certificate will not be accepted after 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.  So that it is received in time, please completed your application as soon as possible if you need Voter Authority Certificate.

My name is different on my photo ID to the electoral register, what should I do?

If in any doubt about whether your identification will be accepted, please talk to a member of the elections team for clarification on 01322 343501.

I don’t want to risk losing my ID, can I bring a photocopy?

Whatever form of ID you bring must be the original, no copies or electronic versions will be accepted.

What if I lose my Voter Authority Certificate?

We recommend you keep your Voter Authority Certificate as safe as you would any other form of official identification. However, if this happens please call us on 01322 343501.

Can I use an expired driving licence or passport?

Yes, as long as the photo is still a good likeness.

My passport and driving licence show the wrong address, is this ok?

Yes, as long as the photo is still a good likeness. The photo ID is to check your identity not your address.

I would like my identity checked in private, is this possible?

Yes, all polling stations will have procedures in place for electors who wish to have their indentity checked in private.