Older voters should be ready to have their voice heard

Age Scotland is reminding older voters to take a valid form of ID to the polling station or apply in time for a postal vote to ensure their voice is heard in the upcoming General Election.

For many voters the election on July 4 will be the first time they have had to show a valid photo ID before voting in person. Scotland’s national charity for older people is providing a timely reminder of what forms of ID will be accepted, to avoid any older voter being unable to cast their ballot.

There are 22 types of acceptable ID, including passport, driving licence, bus pass and blue badge. The key requirement is that the ID has a photograph of the user that looks like them. Out of date photographs or ones taken before a significant change in the user’s appearance will not be valid.

Anyone who does not have an ID or who no longer looks like their photograph can apply for a voter authority certificate, a free document to use on polling day which must be applied for by Wednesday, June 26.

Older people who will be on holiday, unable to vote in person or simply prefer to vote by post have until Wednesday, June 19, to apply for a postal vote. Older people who are struggling to get a postal vote form can call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 and get one sent to them.

Another option is for a voter to nominate a proxy, someone appointed to vote of your behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is Wednesday, June 26.

Details of all valid IDs and how to apply for postal votes, voter authority certificates and proxy vote are available from the Electoral Commission.

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“It is vital that older people’s issues and concerns are addressed in this General Election campaign, and that older people are encouraged to exercise their right to vote on July 4. In a democracy, we are fortunate enough to be able to have a say in how our country is governed, and we want as many older people as possible to make their voices heard by casting their ballot.
 
“This time we must bring a valid photo ID – an original document, not a photocopy - to the polling station, which will be a first for many. We want to make sure older people are aware of this requirement and check that they have an ID that will be accepted, ahead of polling day.
 
“It’s important that the photo on your ID looks like you. Out of date photos or ones taken before a change in your appearance won’t be accepted. If you don’t have a suitable ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate which you can use on the day.
 
“You can also apply for a postal vote – but be quick, the deadline is Wednesday, June 19. Any older person who can’t get a postal vote application form online, please call our free helpline on 0800 12 44 222 and we will send one out to you.
 
“We want to make sure no older person who wants to vote misses out on this opportunity to express their views, and everyone is well prepared to cast their vote in person or by post.”

Find out more about the acceptable forms of photo ID for this election on the Electoral Commission's website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id