Elections for the new Taunton Town Council take place in May – and, for the first time, residents in Taunton will need to show accepted photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station.
Taunton Town Council will come into being on 1 April 2023. This is an historic moment for the town and Somerset as a whole. Until now, Taunton has been the only “unparished” area in Somerset – the only town without a grassroots council.
The new Town Council will elect the Mayor and Deputy and take on responsibility for all the civic regalia, such as the chain of office. Elections on 4 May 2023 will be for 20 councillors in 14 wards.
The election coincides with the national introduction of Voter ID. This means people will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper if voting at a polling station.
Help is available for people for people to understand what ID is acceptable, how to apply for free Voter ID online or get application forms. Advice is available from the electoral team on 01823 368692.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Andrew Pritchard, Returning Officer at Somerset West and Taunton Council said: “With elections taking place in Taunton on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Somerset West and Taunton’s electoral services team.
“If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team on 01823 368692.”
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.