Registering to vote

Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations play a crucial role in ensuring people are aware of the general election, registered to vote, have appropriate photo ID, and use their vote.

The image is an informational poster. The background color is a soft pink. At the top, there's a statement in bold letters stating, "The law has changed. Make sure you have an accepted form of photo ID to vote." Below this text is a diverse group of five cartoon-style people holding up various forms of identification. They are all smiling and look positive. On the left, there's a woman in a wheelchair, raising her ID with her right hand. Next to her is a woman wearing a hijab, with her ID in her left hand. In the center, there's a young woman holding her ID in front of her with both hands. To her right stands a man with his ID in his left hand raised above his head, and next to him is an elderly woman also showing her ID. At the bottom, the text reads, "Everyone deserves fair and equal access to their democratic rights." Logos and supporting text at the bottom indicate the poster is supported by the Greater London Authority and an organization called Shout Out UK.

Our right to vote 

Every disabled individual is entitled to vote  – irrespective of any impairments – as long as you meet the criteria below. If the registration process is inaccessible, you can ask for reasonable adjustments and assistance under the Equality Act 2010.

To vote in a general election, you must:

  • Be registered to vote
  • Voters must show a photo ID to vote in a general election.
  • Be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
  • Be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
  • Be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)
  • Not be legally excluded from voting
  • Voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at a general election.

You can register online

Make your voice heard by registering to vote online today.  Every vote counts, so don’t miss this opportunity to have your say in shaping the future. It’s quick and easy – simply click on this  link UK Government – Register to Vote

You can also register by post

Printable voter register forms are available in various formats, including easy-read and large print. Click the link to learn more and register  Register to vote (paper forms)

Anyone can apply for a postal vote – you don’t need a special reason for wanting one. To apply for a postal vote, click the link and visit  Apply for a postal vote (paper forms)

Voter ID requirement

You must present a valid photo ID at your polling station to participate in a general election.

Accepted forms of photo ID

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

  • 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 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
  • Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
  • Oyster 60+ Card funded by the funded by the UK Government
  • Freedom Pass

For a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of photo identification, click on the link and visit the Electoral Commission website.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:

  • you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID
  • you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
  • you’re worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker

You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

Click on the link to Find out how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Learn about Voter ID and the free Voter Authority Certificate

This video has BSL interpretation and subtitles. Click on the link to find out more About Voter ID and the free Voter Authority Certificate | GLA Voter ID FAQs | BSL (youtube.com)

You can also vote by proxy

If you cannot vote in person, you can get someone to vote for you and tell them who to vote for. This is called a proxy vote. Click the link to apply for a proxy vote and visit the Proxy voting application forms website.

Get help registering

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