From 4 May this year the rules are changing and you will need photo ID to cast your vote in elections
What’s changing?
From 4 May this year, you’ll need photo ID to vote at polling stations in:
- Local elections
- UK Parliamentary by-elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
From October 2023 the rule will also apply to UK General elections!
Accepted forms of photo ID
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
What if I don’t have photo ID?
If you don’t have an accepted form of ID listed by the Electoral Commission then you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate:
Please note: you need to be registered to vote before you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
When are the next round of local elections?
The next election for Councillors to sit on Penzance Council will take place in May 2025. The voting and election process is organised and managed by Cornwall Council.
Casual Vacancies
A casual vacancy on the council will usually arise if a Councillor has resigned or passed away. Vacancies can also come up if a Councillor fails to attend any meetings for six consecutive months, unless the reason for the failure was approved by the Council before the expiry of that six month period.
If a casual vacancy comes up we will advertise this on our website. Members of the public can also find vacancies listed for town and parish councils across Cornwall by visiting Cornwall Council’s Town and Parish Council Vacancies webpage.
Your vote matters – don’t lose it!
