London elections voting ID rules and what forms of identification will be accepted

Londoners will be voting for who they want to run the city this week as the mayoral election takes place, but it's also time to select your representatives on the London Assembly. On Thursday (May 2), the city's residents will be asked to cast three votes at the ballot box, at their local polling station.

Votes are being cast for London Mayor, London-wide Assembly members, and constituency London Assembly members. You can see a list of all the mayoral candidates and a full list of the Assembly candidates.

If you're not quite sure what Thursday's elections are all about you can read our guide. One thing everybody needs to know is that you can only cast a vote if you have an acceptable form of ID.

READ MORE: London Mayor election candidates 2024 - full list of people standing and what their policies are

These will be the first elections in London since the rules changed. Here's what you need to know:

What forms of ID are accepted?

There is a long list of accepted forms of ID for use at the polling station. They include a passport, driving licence, a disabled blue badge and various travel passes, including the Freedom Pass and over 60s Oyster card issued by the UK Government.

You can also use any proof of age identity card that has the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) hologram on it. Alternatively you can use a biometric immigration document, or national identity card issued by an EEA state. You can also apply for a Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector's Document (see 'exemptions for voter ID' below for more details).

What if my ID has expired?

You can still use photographic ID that's out of date as long as the photo is still a good likeness of you.

Are there any exemptions for voter ID?

No. Nobody is allowed to vote in local elections in England, including in London, without ID. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate - essentially just a form of photo ID specifically for elections. It's free of charge and checks on your identity will be done by your local council.

The deadline has already passed to be able to apply for one for the elections on May 2, but you can apply for future elections, including the upcoming General Election.

What if I usually vote anonymously?

When you register to vote, your name goes onto the publicly accessible electoral register. But if you feel like that compromises your safety in some way you can apply to vote anonymously. You still need photo ID if you are voting anonymously in person at a polling station. You can apply for an Anonymous Elector's Document which is a photo ID specifically issued for voting.

You can only apply for that using a paper form, though the deadline for the May 2 elections has passed. There's more information on how to do that on the Electoral Commission website.

Why was voter ID brought in?

Concerns that people were too easily able to pose as others to vote in elections in England led to the introduction of voter ID. However the London Assembly recently warned that it could have a disproportionate impact on Londoners because of its demographics.

Assembly Members (AMs) reported that polling by YouGov from September 2023 found one-in-four London voters were unaware of the new requirements. The Electoral Commission has also warned that more deprived voters, disabled voters, voters from ethnic minority communities and younger voters are more likely to face difficulties around voter ID. London has a higher population of some of these 'at-risk' groups.

Anne Clarke AM said: "As we approach elections on May 2, 2024, it is crucial to acknowledge the barriers posed by new photo ID requirements. Voters from deprived backgrounds, disabled voters, voters from ethnic minority communities and younger voters could all be hit by this new rule.

"Despite just 33 allegations of impersonation in 2019 out of 58 million votes cast, this change could impact thousands, with the Electoral Commission's reporting that 4% of people did not vote due to the new ID requirements in May 2023.

"The Government must implement the Electoral Commission's recommendations to make sure that no Londoner is prevented from voting. I also urge the Mayor to help inform Londoners about the new requirements and Voter Authority Certificates."

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