West Norfolk Council offers drop-in sessions to help with voter ID ahead of local elections in May 2023
Residents with no form of photo ID have been urged to seek help ahead of our upcoming elections.
New requirements mean voters must have a valid form of identification ahead of West Norfolk’s local elections in May.
While the majority of people already have it, there are some who do not - or who do not know the criteria when applying for it.
West Norfolk Council has therefore launched a series of sessions to help those hoping to attain a Voter Authority Certificate.
The borough council’s chief executive, Lorraine Gore, said: “The easiest way to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is online and the process is quite straightforward – as long as you have internet access and a camera, you can do it.
“We know that not everyone has internet access so we are also arranging drop-in sessions, where we can complete the whole process for you. All you need to do is make sure you bring your National Insurance number or other documents that can prove your identity.
“However, don’t worry if you can’t do either of these. You can apply for a certificate by post, or alternative option is to apply for a postal vote, which does not require a photo at all.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that people can take part in the democratic process and we’re here to help every step of the way.”
Acceptable forms of photo ID include UK-issued passports or driving licences, a bus pass, a blue badge, or a PASS proof of age card.
As long as the photograph on the ID still looks like you and the name matches a voter’s name on the electoral register, it doesn’t matter if it is out of date.
The borough council has arranged drop-in sessions at its offices in King’s Court in Chapel St, Lynn, every Tuesday (2-5pm), and every Wednesday (9am-12noon) from February 28 until April 25 - the closing date for VAC applications.
Further sessions are being arranged in Hunstanton and Downham, full details of which will be released in the next fortnight.
The county’s libraries are also able to offer some help with the process, with staff offering one-to-one support via appointments.
At libraries, voters will need to take their National Insurance number and their own device that can be used to take and upload a photograph.
Residents can also phone 01553 616200 for a paper form to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate or to request a postal vote.