The Voter Identification Regulations 2022

SCHEDULE 1 U.K. Enabling Powers

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

These Regulations are made under the following powers—

(a) the following provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1983—

(i) sections 9B(1A), 13BD(3), (4), (8), (9), (10) and (11), 13BE(3), (4), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (12), 53(1)(ba) and (4), 56(1) and (5) (including that section as applied in relation to Scotland by section 57(1)) and 201(3)(1);

(ii) in Schedule 1, rule 28(3), 29(3ZA), 40B(1), (2) and (5)(b) and 56A(1), (2) and (3) (including that rule as modified by rule 58(2)(ba))(2);

(iii) in Schedule 2, paragraphs 1(2), (2A) and (4), 1A(1), (2) and (3), 3ZA(1), (2)(a), (2A) and (3A), 8BA(1), (3) and (4), 8C, 10B(1)(a), 11(3) and 13(1) and (1ZB)(3);

(b) section 15(5) of the Representation of the People Act 1985;

(c) paragraph 16 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (including as applied by section 38A(3) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004(4));

(d) sections 52ZQ and 113(1) and (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992(5);

(e) paragraphs 4(2)(c) and 6(7) and (8) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000(6);

(f) sections 9HE(1), 9MG(2) to (5) and 105(2) and (3) of the Local Government Act 2000;

(g) sections 114(1) and 117(1A) of, and paragraph 12 of Schedule 5B to, the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009(7);

(h) section 58(1) (including as extended by section 26(3) of the Welsh Language Act 1993) and 154(5) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011(8);

(i) section 18(1) of the Recall of MPs Act 2015.

Regulation 4(3)(a)

SCHEDULE 2 E+W+S Identity document applications: photograph requirements

1.  A photograph included in an identity document application (“the photograph”) must meet the following requirements. E+W+S

Commencement Information

I2 Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

2.  The photograph must be a close-up photograph of the head and shoulders of the applicant. E+W+S

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

3.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the photograph must show the full head of the applicant (without any other person visible or any covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons)— E+W+S

(a) facing forward,

(b) with nothing covering the face,

(c) looking straight at the camera,

(d) with a plain facial expression, and

(e) with eyes open and clearly visible (e.g. without sunglasses and not obscured with hair etc.).

(2) The requirements in paragraph (1)(d) and (e) do not apply where the applicant is unable to provide a photograph which complies with either or both of those requirements (as the case may be) due to any disability.

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

4.  The photograph must be in colour and taken against a plain, light background. E+W+S

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

5.  The photograph must be— E+W+S

(a) in sharp focus and clear,

(b) free from “redeye”, shadows which obscure the face, or reflection,

(c) undamaged, and

(d) a true likeness of the applicant, without amendment or manipulation.

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 2 para. 5 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

6.  For an application made other than via the digital service, the photograph must be— E+W+S

(a) at least 45 millimetres in height and at least 35 millimetres in width, and

(b) no more than 297 millimetres in height and no larger than 210 millimetres in width.

Commencement Information

I7 Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

7.  For an application made via the digital service, the photograph must be— E+W+S

(a) at least 750 pixels in height and at least 600 pixels in width, and

(b) contained in an electronic file which is no more than 20MB in size.

Commencement Information

I8 Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Regulation 15(2)

SCHEDULE 3 E+W+S Requirements for the design of anonymous elector’s documents, electoral identity documents, and temporary electoral identity documents

Requirements for the design of the anonymous elector’s document E+W+S

1.—(1) The anonymous elector’s document must be 297 millimetres in height and 210 millimetres in width.

(2) The design of the anonymous elector’s document must include—

(a) each of the following, all on the front side of the document—

(i) space for the electoral number of the anonymous elector it is issued to;

(ii) space for a photograph of the anonymous elector it is issued to;

(iii) space for the date of issue of the document;

(iv) space for the appropriate identifier allocated to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 16(1)(e);

(v) one or more security features recommended by the Home Secretary;

(b) for the design of the dual Welsh and English version of the anonymous elector’s document in accordance with regulation 15(1)(d), the Welsh equivalent of any text shown in English.

Commencement Information

I9 Sch. 3 para. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Requirements for the design of the electoral identity document E+W+S

2.—(1) The electoral identity document must be 297 millimetres in height and 210 millimetres in width.

(2) The design of the electoral identity document must include—

(a) each of the following, all on the front side of the document—

(i) space for the full name of the elector it is issued to;

(ii) space for a photograph of the elector it is issued to;

(iii) space for the date of issue of the document;

(iv) space for the appropriate identifier allocated to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 16(1)(e);

(v) the words “Issued by the electoral registration officer appointed by” and space for the name of the local authority added to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 16(1)(f)(i);

(vi) space for the recommended renewal date for the document to be added to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 16(1)(f)(ii);

(vii) one or more security features recommended by the Home Secretary;

(b) for the design of the dual Welsh and English version of the electoral identity document in accordance with regulation 15(1)(d), the Welsh equivalent of any text shown in English.

Commencement Information

I10 Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Requirements for the design of the temporary electoral identity document E+W+S

3.—(1) The temporary electoral identity document must be 297 millimetres in height and 210 millimetres in width.

(2) The design of the temporary electoral identity document must include—

(a) each of the following, all on the front side of the document—

(i) space for the full name of the elector it is issued to;

(ii) space for a photograph of the elector it is issued to;

(iii) space for the date of issue of the document;

(iv) space for the appropriate identifier allocated to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 19(2)(b)(iv);

(v) the words “Issued by the electoral registration officer appointed by” and space for the name of the local authority added to the document by the registration officer in accordance with regulation 19(2)(b)(iii);

(vi) space for the date on which the document is valid for use at a poll;

(vii) space for a registration officer’s signature;

(b) for the design of the dual Welsh and English version of the temporary electoral identity document in accordance with regulation 15(1)(d), the Welsh equivalent of any text shown in English.

Commencement Information

I11 Sch. 3 para. 3 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Regulation 31

SCHEDULE 4 E+W+S Prescribed form of ballot paper refusal list at parliamentary elections

Commencement Information

I12 Sch. 4 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Regulation 37(d)

SCHEDULE 5 U.K. Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004: New Form of directions for the guidance of voters

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 5 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting

Regulations 38(11) and 39(11)

SCHEDULE 6 U.K. New forms of official poll cards and official proxy poll cards at parliamentary elections

PART 1 U.K. New forms for the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001

Commencement Information

I14 Sch. 6 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form A: Official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form B: Official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

PART 2 U.K. New forms for the Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 6 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form A: Official poll card (to be sent to an elector voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form B: Official proxy poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Regulations 43(16) and 45(16)

SCHEDULE 7 U.K. Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007: New forms

PART 1 U.K. Forms for use at a mayoral election in England where the poll is not taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I16 Sch. 7 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 8A: Elector’s official poll card (for use at mayoral elections in England)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10A: Official proxy poll card (for use at mayoral elections in England)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 11A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 12A: Directions for the guidance of voters (for use at mayoral elections in England)

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a mayoral election in England where the poll is taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I17 Sch. 7 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 8A: Elector’s official poll card (for use at mayoral elections in England)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10A: Official proxy poll card (for use at mayoral elections in England)

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 11A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 12A: Directions for the guidance of voters (for use at mayoral elections in England)

Regulations 48(17) and 50(17)

SCHEDULE 8 U.K. Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012: New forms

PART 1 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is not taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I18 Sch. 8 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Official Poll Card (to be sent to a voter voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Ballot paper refusal list

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I19 Sch. 8 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Official Poll Card (to be sent to a voter voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Ballot paper refusal list

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

Regulations 52(17) and 54(17)

SCHEDULE 9 U.K. Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Council Tax Increases) (England) Regulations 2012: New forms

PART 1 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is not taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I20 Sch. 9 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Official Poll Card (to be sent to a voter voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Ballot paper refusal list

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I21 Sch. 9 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Official Poll Card (to be sent to a voter voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Ballot paper refusal list

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

Regulations 59(3) and 60(15)

SCHEDULE 10 U.K. Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012: New forms

PART 1 U.K. New proxy paper form

Commencement Information

I22 Sch. 10 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Front of form

Rear of form

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a PCC election

Commencement Information

I23 Sch. 10 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 11: Official poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 13: Official proxy poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 14A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 16: Notice for guidance of voters for exhibition inside and outside polling station

Regulations 64(17) and 66(17)

SCHEDULE 11 U.K. Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012: New forms

PART 1 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is not taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I24 Sch. 11 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 7: Official poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 9: Official proxy poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 11: Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a referendum where the poll is taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I25 Sch. 11 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 8: Official poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10: Official proxy poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 11A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 12: Form of directions for the guidance of the voters and proxies in voting

Regulation 92(a)

SCHEDULE 12 E+W+S Recall of MPs Act 2015 (Recall Petition) Regulations 2016: New forms

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 12 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form D: Official petition notice for an elector who may sign the petition in person

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Form F: Official petition notice for a proxy who may sign the petition in person

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Form G1: Signing sheet refusal list

Form H: Guidance for person signing the petition

Form J: Proxy paper

Regulations 94(17) and 96(17)

SCHEDULE 13 U.K. Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017: New forms

PART 1 U.K. Forms for use at a mayoral election where the poll is not taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I27 Sch. 13 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 8: Official poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10: Official proxy poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 11A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 12: Directions for the guidance of voters in voting

PART 2 U.K. Forms for use at a mayoral election where the poll is taken together with another election or referendum

Commencement Information

I28 Sch. 13 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form 8: Official poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 10: Official proxy poll card

Front of form

Rear of form

Form 11A: Ballot paper refusal list

Form 12: Directions for the guidance of voters in voting

Regulation 97(3) and (4)

SCHEDULE 14 U.K. Police and Crime Commissioner Elections: Welsh form of words and Welsh and English forms

PART 1 U.K. New Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Welsh versions of forms of words)

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 14 Pt. 1 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

“PART 2 U.K. Welsh version of questions to be put to voters

Person sy’n gwneud cais am bapur pleidleisio	Cwestiynau
1 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel etholwr	(za) Beth yw’ch enw? (zb) Beth yw’ch cyfeiriad? (a) Ai chi yw’r person sydd wedi’i gofrestru ar y gofrestr etholwyr fel a ganlyn ( rhaid i chi ddarllen yn uchel y cofnod cyfan o’r gofrestr)? [R] (b) A ydych eisoes wedi pleidleisio yn yr etholiad hwn ar gyfer comisiynydd yr heddlu a throseddu, naill ai yma neu rywle arall, ac eithrio fel dirprwy i rywun arall? [R]
2 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel dirprwy	(za) Beth yw’ch enw? (zb) Beth yw’ch cyfeiriad? (a) Ai chi yw’r person y mae ei enw yn ymddangos fel A B ar y rhestr dirprwyon ar gyfer yr etholiad hwn ar gyfer comisiynydd yr heddlu a throseddu fel y person sydd â hawl i bleidleisio fel dirprwy ar ran C D? [R] (b) A ydych eisoes wedi pleidleisio yn yr etholiad hwn ar gyfer comisiynydd yr heddlu a throseddu, naill ai yma neu rywle arall, fel y person sydd â hawl i bleidleisio fel dirprwy ar ran C D? [R] (c) Ai chi yw gŵr/gwraig, partner sifil, rhiant, tad-cu/mam-gu, brawd/chwaer, plentyn neu ŵyr/wyres C D? [R]
3 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel dirprwy ar gyfer etholwr â chofnod dienw (yn hytrach na’r cwestiynau yng nghofnod 2)	(za) Beth yw’ch enw? (zb) Beth yw’ch cyfeiriad? (a) Ai chi yw’r person y mae hawl ganddo bleidleisio fel dirprwy ar ran yr etholwr sydd â’r rhif ( darllenwch yn uchel rif yr etholwr o’r gofrestr) ar y gofrestr etholwyr? [R] (b) A ydych eisoes wedi pleidleisio yn yr etholiad hwn ar gyfer comisiynydd yr heddlu a throseddu, yma neu rywle arall, fel dirprwy ar ran yr etholwr sydd â’r rhif ( darllenwch yn uchel rif yr etholwr o’r gofrestr) ar y gofrestr etholwyr? [R] (c) A ydych yn ŵr/gwraig, yn bartner sifil, yn rhiant, yn dad-cu/mam-gu, yn frawd/chwaer, yn blentyn neu’n ŵyr/wyres i’r etholwr sydd â’r rhif ( darllenwch yn uchel rif yr etholwr o’r gofrestr) ar y gofrestr etholwyr? [R]
4 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel dirprwy os na roddir ateb cadarnhaol i’r cwestiwn yng nghofnod 2(c) neu 3(c) (os ydynt yn berthnasol)	A ydych eisoes wedi pleidleisio yn yr etholiad hwn ar gyfer comisiynydd yr heddlu a throseddu, yma neu rywle arall, ar ran dau berson nad ydych yn ŵr/gwraig, yn bartner sifil, yn rhiant, yn dad-cu/mam-gu, yn frawd/chwaer, yn blentyn neu’n ŵyr/wyres iddynt? [R]
5 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel etholwr y mae cofnod ganddo ar y rhestr pleidleiswyr post	(za) Beth yw’ch enw? (zb) Beth yw’ch cyfeiriad? (a) A wnaethoch gais i bleidleisio drwy’r post? (b) Pam nad ydych wedi pleidleisio drwy’r post?
6 Person sy’n gwneud cais fel dirprwy y mae cofnod ganddo ar y rhestr dirprwyon sy’n pleidleisio drwy’r post	(za) Beth yw’ch enw? (zb) Beth yw’ch cyfeiriad? (a) A wnaethoch gais i bleidleisio drwy’r post fel dirprwy? (b) Pam nad ydych wedi pleidleisio drwy’r post fel dirprwy?”

PART 2 U.K. New Welsh and English Forms

Commencement Information

I30 Sch. 14 Pt. 2 in force at 16.1.2023, see reg. 1(3)

Form/Ffurflen 1: Proxy paper at particular PCC election/Papur pleidleisio drwy ddirprwy mewn etholiad penodol ar gyfer Comisiynydd yr Heddlu a Throseddu

Page/Tudalen 1

Page/Tudalen 2

Page/Tudalen 3

Form/Ffurflen 11: Poll Card/Cerdyn pleidleisio

Page/Tudalen 1

Page/Tudalen 2

Form/Ffurflen 13: Proxy poll card/Cerdyn pleisdleisio dirprwy

Page/Tudalen 1

Page/Tudalen 2

Form/Ffurflen 14A: Ballot paper refusal list/Rhestr o Achosion o Wrthod Rhoi Papur Pleidleisio

Page/Tudalen 1

Page/Tudalen 2

Form/Flurflen 16: Notice for guidance of voters for exhibition inside and outside polling station/Hysbysiad canllaw i bleidleiswyr i’w arddangos y tu mewn a’r tu allan i’r orsaf bleidleisio

(1)

Section 53(1)(ba) was inserted by paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Elections Act 2022 (c. 37). Section 53(4) was inserted by paragraph 109 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22). See section 202(1) for the meaning of “prescribed” in section 56(1) and (5). Section 201(3) was inserted by paragraph 21 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2) and amended by paragraph 6 of Schedule 21 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41).

(2)

See section 202(1) for the meaning of “prescribed” in rules 29(3ZA) and 40B(2) and (5)(b). Rule 28(3) was amended by paragraph 70 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006. Rules 56A and 58(2)(ba) were inserted by paragraphs 30 and 32 of Schedule 1 to the Elections Act 2022 respectively.

(3)

Paragraph 1 was amended by paragraph 68(18) of Schedule 16 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c. 19); by paragraph 24 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”); by section 6 of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 13); by paragraph 15 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006; by section 7(3) of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33); by section 2 of, and paragraph 20 of Schedule 4 to, the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6) (“the 2013 Act”); by sections 6(1) and (2) and 20(2)(a) of the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 (c. 13) (“the 2014 Act”) and by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Elections Act 2022 (“the 2022 Act”). See paragraph 1(5A) for the meaning of “registration duties” in paragraph 1. Paragraph 1A was inserted by paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the 2013 Act and was amended by section 20(2)(b) of the 2014 Act, by paragraph 18 of Schedule 19 to the Data Protection Act 2018 (c. 12) and by paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the 2022 Act. Paragraph 3ZA was inserted by section 2(3) of the 2013 Act, and was amended by paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 to the 2022 Act. Paragraph 8BA was inserted by paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 to the 2022 Act. Paragraph 8C was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the 2013 Act, and was amended by section 20(2)(c) of the 2014 Act; by paragraph 18 of Schedule 19 to the Data Protection Act 2018; and by paragraph 10 of Schedule 2 to the 2022 Act. Paragraph 10B was inserted, and paragraph 11 was substituted, by section 9(2) of the 2000 Act. Paragraph 13(1) was amended by paragraph 11 of Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act. Paragraph 13(1ZB) was inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the 2013 Act. See section 85(2) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), the effect of which is that provision made under paragraph 13(1ZB) creating an offence may provide for an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of any amount.

(4)

2004 c. 5. Section 38A was inserted by paragraph 7 of Schedule 9 to the Localism Act 2011 (c. 20).

(5)

Section 113(1) and (2) was amended by paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 to the Local Government Act 1999 (c. 27), by paragraph 52 of Schedule 7 to the Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), by section 80 of the Localism Act 2011 and by S.I. 2013/2597. 2015/1376, 2016/997, 2021/1265.

(6)

See section 202(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2), as read with paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 for the meaning of “prescribed”.

(7)

Section 117(1A) was inserted by paragraph 29 of Schedule 5 to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016 (c. 1).

(8)

Section 154(5) was amended by S.I. 2014/268, 2021/1265.