Government publishes resources to help civil society support people to vote in May
February 25, 2026
Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities and charities, can play an important role in supporting voters ahead of the mayoral and local government elections happening in some parts of England on 7 May 2026.
The deadline to register to vote is 20th April.
The government have published resources to support voters, and people who work with them, to meet the voter ID requirement. These include resources tailored to the needs of people who are registered to vote anonymously, or who might benefit from doing so, such as domestic violence survivors.
What is Voter ID?
Voters in England are legally required to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station at all elections, including the local elections on 7 May 2026.
We know that applying for and holding onto ID can be challenging for those struggling with homelessness – it is vitally important that they are supported to have their voices heard in local elections.
What can my organisation do?
You can use the digital and printed resources in your communications, venues and in conversation with the people you support them to aid them in registering to vote.
These resources feature representatives from groups that are less likely to be registered to vote or who may face additional barriers, such as people experiencing homelessness, people with learning disabilities, Muslim women, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. The resources were developed in partnership with Shelter, United Response, Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum , and Friends, Families and Traveller .
