Rutland residents have only got a few days left to apply for free photographic identification (photo ID) before the upcoming Local Elections.

Rutland County Council (RCC) are providing free photo ID specific to voting for residents who have no appropriate form of identification.

This voting ID called a Voter Authentication Certificate.

From 4 May 2023 onwards, all voters will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID at a polling station before they are given a ballot paper.  

Residents will not be required to provide photo ID for voting by post.

Accepted ID is:

• 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 
• Photocard driving licence (includes a provisional licence) issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or EEA state
• Biometric immigration document 
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• Blue Badge scheme photocard parking permit
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Older Person's Bus Pass / Concessionary Travel pass/card (in Lincolnshire, this is the Older person or Disability bus pass issued by Lincolnshire County Council)
• a Disabled Person's Bus Pass
• an Oyster 60+ Card
• Freedom Pass
• Electoral Identity Card for Northern Ireland
• Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
• 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• 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
• Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland 

Expired ID can be used as long as likeness remains.

If you don't have one of these accepted forms of Photo ID, you will need to apply for a Voter Authentication Certificate. You can do so here.

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To apply, you will need:

1. A passport quality photograph;
2. Your National Insurance Number; and
3. Your date of birth

Ensure that you have the appropriate documentation in time for the upcoming local elections, which are set to take place on 4 May 2023.

Head to the RCC website to find out more.

If you can't apply online or need assistance, you can apply in person by contacting the team on 01572 722 577.