01/07/2024 - Remember Voter ID is needed for the general election

01/07/2024

Residents in the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency are being encouraged to remember their photo ID when they go to vote in the general election on Thursday.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. Without it, potential voters risk not having their say in the general election.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Econmic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driver's licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card; and the free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

A full list of accepted ID is available on our website.

The results for the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency will be announced on Friday 5 July from the Ross Peers Sports Centre in Soham by John Hill, the Acting Returning Officer,

John explains: "It is important to make sure you're ready for the general election on the 4 July. Before heading to the polling station on election day, check that you have got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you. If you need any help, you can contact our electoral services team on 01353 665555."

The candidates

There are nine candidates for the Ely and East Cambridgeshire parliamentary constituency:

• BAYLEY Robert, Social Democrat Party
• CANE Charlotte, Liberal Democrats
• COGAN Andrew, Green Party
• COOGAN Ryan, Reform UK
• FRAZER Lucy, Conservative
• HENRY Hoo-Ray, Official Monster Raving Loony Party
• MCWILLIAMS Elizabeth, Labour Party
• MONYE Obi, Independent
• RAWLINS Robert, Independent

The voting process

Voters will be required to show an accepted form of Voter ID in order to vote in person at the polling station. A list of accepted ID and further information is available on our Voter ID webpage. If a voter has appointed a proxy or emergency proxy to vote on their behalf, the proxy must bring a copy of their own photographic ID to the polling station. More information is available on our Voter ID faq's webpage.

If a voter has forgotten their ID, they can return later with it before the polls close at 10pm and cast their vote. Following the close of the poll on Thursday 4 July 2024, verification of ballot boxes will take place, followed by the count.

Candidates will be invited onto the stage and will be invited to make a short speech following the declaration, starting with the winning candidate.

The UK parliamentary general election is taking place on 4 July.

• the requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a requirement introduced by the UK Government's Election Act
• the legislation requires voters at polling stations to show an accepted form of photo ID before they receive their ballot paper. The requirement applies to UK parliamentary elections, including parliamentary by-elections, local council elections in England, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. It does not apply at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to the Scotland Parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland
• The UK Government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is responsible for the voter ID policy and for the free voter ID application system. Enquiries relating to the application system or the policy itself should be directed to the Department
• the Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring voters are aware of the voter ID requirement, and for supporting local authorities with the process. Questions related to the public awareness campaign should be directed to the Electoral Commission
• local authorities are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level