Do I need my polling card to vote in the 2024 UK General Election?

You've only gone and lost your bloomin' polling card, haven't you? Or perhaps you're going straight from work to the polling station are have forgotten to bring it.

Well, calm down, don't panic - there's good news. We've looked at the rules about whether you actually need the polling card to be able to vote in the 2024 General Election. And even if your polling card is hiding in a dusty old drawer, or buried deep in a bin somewhere, you'll still be able to vote.

That's because you don't actually need to bring your polling card to the polling station, according to the government's official advice. The gov.uk website explains rules to follow as you gear up to vote.

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However for the first time ever in a general election, what you must have is a form of photo ID with you to be allowed to vote. This year is the first time in the UK that everybody wanting to vote in person at a general election will have to show ID before receiving a ballot paper.

Not all types of photo ID will be accepted at polling stations, but a passport, driving licence or blue badge are valid. Other forms of permitted ID include an Older Person’s or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass or an Oyster 60+ card, the new free Voter Authority Certificate, and an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a Pass card).

What should I do when I get to the polling station if I don't have my card?

When you arrive at the polling station, according to the government, you should give your name and address to the staff and show them your ID.

You'll then be given a ballot paper containing the list of the people, parties or options you can vote for. And this is why you'll be given a pencil, not a pen.