How to vote

The government has passed new legislation which requires electors and proxies voting in person to provide photo identification in polling stations to vote. If you are voting on someone else’s behalf as their proxy, you only need to bring your own photo ID to the polling station.

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station. 

You only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version, and not a photocopy or digital version. You can only use a digital version of your ID if you are using an eVisa

International travel

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) 

Driving and Parking

• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge

Local travel

• Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• 60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London
• Freedom Pass
• Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)
• 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Proof of age

• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Other government issued documents

• Biometric Immigration Documents, including eVisas
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card) (you can only use this ID at elections taking place on or after 1 May 2025)
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
• Voter Authority Certificate
• Anonymous Elector's Document

Expired photographic identification documents can still be used as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of the elector.

If you don't have one of the forms of photo ID listed above, you can apply online for a free Voter Authority Certificate - GOV.UK , or, you can phone us on 01737 276 794 or email us at elreg@reigate-banstead.gov.uk to request a paper form.

Complete and return a paper application by post to:

Electoral Services Office
Town Hall,
Castlefield Road,
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 0SH

Paper application forms are also available for you to download and print at home from the government website:

• Apply for a voter authority certificate by post if you’re living in the UK - GOV.UK

The deadline for applications for Voter Authority Certificates will be 5pm, 6 working days ahead of a poll.

The deadline for applications for Voter Authority Certificates for the County Council by-election on 1 May 2025 is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025.

Electors and Proxies voting in person who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate or suitable photographic ID will not be allowed to vote on the day.

Postal and proxy voting

Postal electors will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.

If electors choose to vote by proxy, the proxy will need to take their own identification to the polling station.