Sandwell residents who plan to cast their vote at a polling station on 2 May are reminded to check the location of the station and that they have an accepted form of photo ID.

Forms of photo ID that will be accepted at the polling station include a passport, photo driving licence, an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass and a Blue Badge. Those without a valid form can also use a 'Voter Authority Certificate' which can be obtained from the council for free. 

The deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate to use to vote at the May elections is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.

If you are using a bus pass for ID, please check carefully if it will be accepted by visiting the Electoral Commission website or the Sandwell Council website. A young person's bus pass is not considered accepted photo ID. Expired forms of photo ID – such as an expired passport - will be accepted as long as the photo still looks like you.

A full list of accepted forms of photo ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Anyone without accepted photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be issued with a ballot paper and will not be able to cast their vote. Voters who don’t take their ID with them are welcome to return later with photo ID to vote. Anyone who wishes to have their identity checked in private can do so behind a privacy screen, and all polling stations will have at least one female member of staff.

There are three elections taking place in May – the Local Elections, the West Midlands Mayoral Election and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Election.

There are 24 seats up for election in Sandwell’s Local Elections. Sandwell Council’s Returning Officer, Shokat Lal, said:

“I’d encourage everyone who intends to vote at a polling station in the elections on 2 May to check now that they have an accepted form of photo ID. Anyone who doesn’t has until 5pm on Wednesday 24 April to apply for free photo ID.

“Please check in advance that you have your photo ID and know where it is so that you are ready to take it with you to vote. Your poll card will tell you if your polling station has changed, and you can also check this on the council website.”

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm. For further assistance call the council’s Voter ID Helpline on 0121 569 6999 or call the elections team on 0121 569 3244.

Full details about this year’s elections are on the council website at sandwell.gov.uk/elections2024.