Sefton Council is urging residents to ensure they are ready for the 2023 Local Elections.

The Election Act 2022 has introduced new requirements for those who want to vote in person at polling stations, meaning people will need to bring valid Photographic Identification with them before receiving a ballot paper.

Accepted ID

Passports, driving licences and parking Blue Badges, along with older and disabled people’s bus passes are among the types of photo ID people can show to be allowed to vote.

People who don’t have any of the required forms of photographic ID can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Local elections are set to take place on Thursday May 4th across all of Sefton Borough’s 22 Wards.

Keen to ensure no-one misses out on their democratic right to vote, Sefton Council has launched the high-profile, Borough-wide ‘IDeal Time’ campaign.

‘IDeal Time’ ads will be appearing on high streets and public transport sites across Sefton to help people prepare for the changes.

No cases of voter fraud

Cllr Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Resources, said: “New requirements for people to be able to vote at polling stations are said to help ensure added election security, although in Sefton we have never had to investigate a case of voter fraud

“We want to ensure these changes don’t result in anyone missing out on their right to have their say.”

The introduction of photo ID in polling stations represent some of the biggest changes to the election process in decades.

New rules

Cllr Lappin continued: “On election day, we will see thousands of people visit their local polling station and have their say on who they want to see representing their communities on Sefton Council.

“We want to do everything we can so that nobody is turned away as a result of these rule changes.

“The new rules state that if you do not have a valid photo ID when you go to vote in a polling station, then staff will not be able to give you a ballot paper and you cannot vote until you can show valid photo ID.”

Anyone without a valid photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate up to six working days before the election.

Alternatively, voters can still apply to vote by post as photo ID is not required for any electors who choose to vote this way.

Register

Cllr Lappin added: “The most important thing to do first is to make sure you are already registered to vote.

“Most people will be registered but if you have moved home, you may need to update your details on the electoral register.

“If you don’t have ID and still want to vote in person then you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

“We expect to see a significant upturn in applications for postal votes following these changes and Sefton Council’s dedicated elections team are preparing for additional demand.

“Your vote matters and we encourage everyone over the age of 18 to take the opportunity to have their democratic say.”

Monday 17th April deadline

People not already registered to vote, must register before Monday 17th April 2023 so they can take part in the May elections. 

The deadline for receipt of all postal vote applications is Tuesday 18^th April 2023

You can find more information about the upcoming elections and the rule changes here.