Everything you need to know about voter ID at the upcoming elections

Published: 13 March 2024

All voters will need to show an accepted form of photo ID at the polls in the upcoming East Midlands Combined County Mayoral Authority and Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Changes to the Elections Act 2022 means that if you’re planning to vote in person, you’ll need to bring an accepted form of photo ID with you. If you go to the polling station without any accepted ID or a Voter Authority Certificate, you won’t be allowed to vote.

Most voters will already have an accepted form of photo ID that they can use, but it’s important that you double check the list of eligible forms of ID in advance to make sure that you don’t miss out on your chance to vote.

All accepted forms of ID must include your photo and be suitably secure, such as a passport, driving license or blue badge. If you have an accepted form of ID but the date has expired, you’ll still be able to use it if the photo is still a good likeness.

Don’t have anything which is on the list of eligible ID? Don’t worry, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a form of ID issued by the Council, which will allow you to vote in the 2024 Combined Mayoral Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections.

It’s free to and easy to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate either on the Government website or by contacting our helpline on 01332 640837 by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. You should only apply if you don’t already have an accepted form of ID.

If you would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, you can apply online to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote in these ways, although your proxy will be required to show their own ID at the polling station.

The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm Wednesday 17 April 2024, and the deadline to apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf is 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024.

Still have questions? There’s lots of information on the Electoral Commission website.

This year, voters will have two ballot papers at polling stations or in their postal vote packs.

Residents will be able to vote for who should be the next Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner; the commissioner is responsible for policing across the county, ensuring the delivery of an effective and efficient police service.

Residents will also be able to vote for the first ever Mayor for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The Mayor will lead the Combined County Authority and will work with local councils, business representatives and stakeholders. The Mayor will have the powers and responsibilities to make decisions across the whole EMCCA area. However, local authorities will still exist as individual councils providing local services. 

Democracy