In the UK, voters are legally required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at some elections. (You can check which elections require photo ID on the Electoral Commission website.)
But if you’re worried that having you name and address on the electoral register could affect your safety, or the safety of someone in your household, you can register to vote anonymously.
This means you will still be able to vote, but your name and address will not be on the electoral register. Your electoral registration office will not disclose your details to anyone, unless they are legally required to.
You can register to vote anonymously on the Electoral Commission website.
Applying for an Anonymous Elector’s Document
If you are registered to vote anonymously and want to vote at a polling station, you will need to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document for elections that require photo ID. You cannot use any other types of photo ID to vote as your entry at the polling station has a number instead of your name.
This document, containing an anonymous elector’s elector number and photograph, can be obtained free of charge from your local electoral registration officer (ERO), following verification of your applicant’s identity. You can find your ERO’s details by entering your postcode into the Electoral Commission’s search.
The Voter Authority Certificate and Anonymous Elector’s Document cannot be used as proof of identity for any other purpose than for voting.
