Northern Ireland

Do I need ID to vote in the Northern Ireland election? What to bring for polling day

Here’s everything you need to bring with you to the polls for the 2024 Westminster election

EMBARGOED TO 0001 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2..File photo dated 6/5/2020 of a ballot box at a polling station. Government proposals to require voters to show photographic ID may discriminate against disabled people and the elderly, a new report warns. MPs and peers added ministers must produce clear research to establish whether the ID plans would also lead to "hesitancy" to vote among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Issue date: Thursday September 2, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Voting. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire.
Voters in Northern Ireland need to bring photographic ID with them to the polls on July 4. (Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
By Mark Robinson

If you’re heading to the polling station on Thursday July 4 for the Westminster election, you won’t just be able to rock up and vote empty-handed.

Photographic ID has been a requirement to vote here since 2003; turning up to a polling station without it will mean that you will not be able to vote.

What ID do I need to bring with me?

The Electoral Office lists the following ID types as accepted:

  • A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photo part) (provisional accepted)
  • A UK or Irish Passport (or Irish Passport Card)
  • An Electoral Identity Card
  • A Biometric Immigration Document

In addition, the following Translink SmartPasses can be used as ID:

  • Senior SmartPass
  • 60+ SmartPass
  • Half Fare SmartPass
  • Registered Blind SmartPass
  • War Disablement SmartPass

Note: EU passports are not accepted at UK Parliamentary elections. For a full list of EU Citizen voting rights click here.

Some students were turned away from polling stations despite having valid polling cards.
You do not need to bring your polling card with you to the polling station in order to vote.

Can I vote with out of date ID?

Yes, you will be able to vote with photographic ID that has expired.

However, the Electoral Office states that expired ID “must be of a good enough likeness” to allow polling station staff to confirm the identity of the holder.

Do I need to bring my polling card?

No, you do not need to bring your polling card with you.

Polling cards are sent to each person eligible to vote before the election so that they know what constituency they are voting in and where to go to vote.

However, you may wish to bring it with you to the polling station to help speed things along.

What else will I need to bring?

You do not need to bring anything else with you to the polling station on July 4 – just make sure you have your ID with you!