Lowick residents are being reminded to take appropriate photographic ID when they vote in person at the Lowick Neighbourhood Planning Referendum on Thursday 28 September 2023 
 

This change has been introduced by the UK Government and will not affect electors who vote by post. 

Accepted forms of ID include: a photocard driving licence (full or provisional), a passport, concessionary travel pass, such as an older person’s bus pass, or a blue badge.   

Voters will be able to use expired photo ID, as long as it remains a good enough likeness for the polling station staff to be able to identify the voter.  The photo ID should be the original version and not a copy.   

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate either online or by completing a paper application, but they will have to do this ahead of the deadline of 5pm Wednesday 20 September 2023. 
 

The Planning Referendum is being held to get residents views on whether they wish to support the Lowick Neighbourhood Plan which addresses issues local people have identified as important in their area.   

All residents in Lowick Parish who are registered to vote will be able to have a say. If the majority of residents vote in favour of bringing the Plan into force, the county council will adopt the Plan to ensure that it is used to help determine planning applications in the Parish. 

Mark Crawford, Elections Manager at Northumberland County Council said: 

"New regulations mean that for the first time anyone voting at a polling station in England will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.  
 

“Please don’t forget to bring it along. We really don’t want to turn anyone away on polling day, but we do have a legal duty to adhere to the new regulations.” 

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for free voter ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID