Residents are being urged to make sure they understand new rules which require voters to show photographic ID before voting in this year’s local elections.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act, which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online here, in person at Darlington Town Hall, or by completing a paper form. The deadline for applying is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- a passport
- a driving licence (including a provisional one)
- an older persons or disabled persons bus pass
- a Blue Badge
- a biometric immigration document
- an ID card issued by an EEA state
- an ID card bearing the proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a Pass Card).
Voters will be able to use an expired ID if the photo still looks like them.
Read more: Worry residents could be excluded amid new voter ID law
But the new rules have been criticised as damaging democracy and will prevent poorer communities from voting, Easington MP Grahame Morris said.
“The introduction of voter ID seeks to exclude people from our democratic processes, impacting the poorest communities which do not have passports or driving licences,” he added.
“The Government are creating new barriers to exclude people in the hope of gaining a political advantage. Their actions are reprehensible and an affront to democracy.
All councils have received funding from the Government to publicise the changes through a public information campaign.
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Luke Swinhoe, returning officer at Darlington Borough Council, said: “With elections taking place in Darlington on 4 May, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an acceptable form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the acceptable forms of ID can apply for free ID either online, in person, or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team by email at elections@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406444.”
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