On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections will be taking place across Rutland. 

The way to vote is changing, so to vote at a polling station you will need to show photo ID before you are issued with a ballot paper.

Most voters will already have an accepted form of ID - and those who haven't can apply online or via Rutland County Council (RCC).

Liberal Democrat Councillor for the Oakham South Ward, Raymond Payne, has shared his concern at this change to the voting system, adding that "voter fraud is simply not a big enough problem to justify disenfranchising millions of people"

Cllr Payne said: "The UK Government has announced a plan to stop people voting in elections unless they can show Photo ID. This will have a very negative impact on voters from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds. It is worrying, to say the least, that for example, Oyster travel cards for the over 60s will be acceptable but those for the over 18s will not. 

"Currently 3.5 million people do not have access to Photo ID and 11 million people do not have a Passport or Driving Licence. This policy is in fact the exact opposite to what the Government should be doing which is to help people to get involved in politics and to have their voices heard at the ballot box."

A full list of all documents that are accepted at polling stations are listed by the Government here. An accepted photo ID which is out of date but still bears a good likeness, can be used to vote.

People who don't already have an accepted form of photo ID or are not sure if their current photo ID is still a good likeness, can apply for a free voter ID document - a Voter Authority Certificate. Do so online or through Rutland County Council by completing a paper application form or applying in person.

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You should apply as soon as possible.

To request a paper application form or to make an appointment to apply in person contact Rutland County Council's elections team online or email [email protected].

You will need to provide a passport quality photograph, your National Insurance Number and your date of birth.

Nothing will change for those who have chosen to vote by post.

For more information on the May local elections, including how to register to vote, visit the RCC website.