UK Uses Bank Cards as Voter ID to Increase Poll Turnout

Published Date : 7/18/2025 

The UK government is expanding the list of accepted forms of voter ID to include bank cards, aiming to increase participation and trust in the electoral process. This move follows the introduction of digital versions of the Veteran Card and UK driving licence. 

The UK government is implementing a series of measures to enhance voter participation and trust in elections. These measures include reducing the voting age to 16 and expanding the types of documents that can be used for voter identification, including digital options.

UK-issued bank cards are expected to become an accepted form of ID at polling stations, alongside digital versions of the Veteran Card and the UK driving licence (mDL), which are set to roll out this year. The government is also planning to introduce a new digital Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), a digital version of a photo ID issued by local councils to individuals without any other form of ID.

“Alongside expanding the right to vote, we are going further to restore and maintain public trust by ensuring elections are as accessible as possible for legitimate voters,” Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali stated on Thursday.

According to findings from the Electoral Commission, 4 percent of people who did not vote in the 2024 General Election cited a lack of voter ID as the reason. The parliamentary elections were the second time voters were required to show photo IDs at polling stations, following the 2023 local elections. Despite the government allowing over 20 forms of ID and introducing voter authority certificates (VAC), the requirement has been controversial, with critics arguing that it could exclude certain populations.

One solution is to introduce bank cards as a form of ID. Over 96 percent of people aged 14 and over in the UK have a bank account, according to the government's strategy paper. “Boosting participation is crucial to restoring faith in democracy, and adding the Veteran ID card last year to the accepted forms of Voter ID was just the start of this,” Ali explained. “Through the new plans, the government is going further to allow UK-issued bank cards to be used as ID when voting, making it far easier for more voters to meet the requirements.”

The next step in this process is the introduction of an elections bill, followed by secondary legislation that will detail the implementation of these changes.

The government's strategy aims to modernize and secure the electoral process while ensuring that it remains accessible to all eligible voters. By expanding the range of acceptable ID forms, the government hopes to address concerns about voter exclusion and enhance the integrity of the electoral system. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What new forms of ID are being accepted for voting in the UK?

A: The UK government is expanding the list of accepted forms of ID to include bank cards, digital versions of the Veteran Card, and the UK driving licence (mDL).

Q: What is the purpose of the new digital Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)?

A: The VAC is a digital version of a photo ID issued by local councils to individuals who do not have any other form of ID, ensuring that more people can meet the voter ID requirements.

Q: How does the government plan to address concerns about voter exclusion?

A: By expanding the range of acceptable ID forms, including bank cards, the government aims to make it easier for more voters to meet the requirements and participate in elections.

Q: What percentage of people in the UK have a bank account?

A: Over 96 percent of people aged 14 and over in the UK have a bank account, according to the government's strategy paper.

Q: What is the next step in implementing these changes?

A: The next step is the introduction of an elections bill, followed by secondary legislation that will detail the implementation of these changes. 

More Related Topics :