People with a Merseytravel Over 60’s pass have been written to advising them that it is not an acceptable form of voter ID for the local elections on 4 May.
At the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023, people must show an acceptable form of Photo ID before being given a ballot paper to vote.
The law states than an Older Person’s Bus Pass is an acceptable form of Photo ID. This is a National Concessionary Travel Pass issued when a person reaches pensionable age.
However, it is different to the Merseytravel Over 60’s pass, which people over the age of 60 can apply for.
Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral Councils have now written to all Merseytravel Over 60’s passholders to inform them about the important distinction between the two, and included images of both passes to show the difference.
The text of the letter is below:
Local Government Elections on Merseyside
Thursday 4 May 2023
Voter ID in Polling Stations
At the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023, if you intend to vote in person at your local
polling station, you must be registered to vote, and you must now show an acceptable form
of Photo ID before you are given a ballot paper to vote.
This is a new law made by UK government and applies to everyone voting in person at a polling
station. These rules do not apply if you vote by post.
The law states than an Older Person’s Bus Pass is an acceptable form of Photo ID. This is a
National Concessionary Travel Pass which only applies when a person reaches pensionable age.
We are aware that you have been issued with a Merseytravel Over 60’s Pass. We must inform you
that this is not an acceptable form of Photo ID. More information is available overleaf.
There are other types of Photo ID that can be accepted in polling stations, which include:A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas
Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country.
A driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state.
An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card).
A Blue Badge.
A full list of acceptable Photo ID documents is shown on official poll cards and your council’s
website.
Anyone who doesn’t have accepted Photo ID, can apply for a free Voter ID document, which is
known as a Voter Authority Certificate by 25 April- https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authoritycertificate
If you would like more information about registering to vote or if you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, then please contact liverpool.gov.uk/elections.
Please note that if you are a postal voter then you do not need to provide Voter ID at these elections and your postal pack will be sent to you around Friday 21 April 2023.
If you are interested in voting by post, then please contact your local council Election Office.
