Operation Traveller Vote

Local Elections 7 May 2026

The next local elections across England will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. In Scotland and Wales elections are also being held for the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments.

Photo ID

Since May of 2023, you now need to show photo ID to vote in person in all UK elections. If you can’t show photo ID, you won’t be able to vote – and that means losing your voice on the issues that are important to you.

The accepted types of photo ID are shown below:

Don’t have photo ID?

If you don’t own any of the types of photo ID listed above, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate from the Government. You won’t be able to use this document as proof of ID in other settings, but you will be able to show it at polling stations, so you are able to vote.

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, or by post, and you can start your application by clicking HERE. The Traveller Movement team are also here to support you with any help you need in completing your application, and you can find out more on this factsheet. You can give us a call, or get in touch at policylead@travellermovement.org.uk

The different ways to vote:

You can vote in three simple ways. In person, you go to your local polling station on election day- your polling card will tell you where to go, and you will need to show accepted ID (shown above). If you prefer not to vote in person, you can apply for a postal vote, which allows you to receive your ballot paper by post, fill it in at home and return it before the deadline. If you’re unable to vote yourself, you can choose a trusted person to vote on your behalf through a proxy vote, but you must apply in advance, and your proxy will also need to bring accepted photo ID.

Whichever method you choose, registering is the first step, and it only takes a few minutes.

You Must Register Before You Can Vote

Even if you have accepted photo ID you will still not be able to vote if you are not registered, and you can’t apply for a Voter Authority Certificate unless you’ve already registered. Registering to vote only takes around 5 minutes, and you can do it online HERE

You only need to register once, unless you move or change address.

Please remember: You must register at least two weeks before an upcoming election to vote

All you need to register is:

Your full name, your date of birth, your national insurance number and your current address.

The information factsheet explains more

Don’t have a permanent address?

You can still register to vote even if you don’t have a permanent address. If you live on a roadside camp, move around a lot, or stay on different sites, you can register using a local connection. This means the place you spend most of your time- for example, a regular stopping place or a site you often use. If you don’t have any fixed place at all, you can fill in a Declaration of Local Connection, which lets you use an address you are linked to, like a nearby community centre, council office, or the area you normally stay. This makes sure that people from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities can still get on the voting register and have their voices heard.

If you need more support, you can contact your local council

Or contact us on: policylead@travellermovement.org.uk

Who can register?

British or qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 16 or over (but you cannot vote until you are 18). This means Commonwealth citizens who have leave to remain in the UK or do not require such leave. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member states.

Who can vote?

British, Irish and qualifying citizens of Commonwealth countries (including Cyprus and Malta) can vote at all elections. Citizens of other EU member states resident in the UK can vote in local government elections but cannot vote in UK Parliamentary elections. Those that reside in Scotland or Wales may also vote in Scottish Parliamentary or National Assembly for Wales election.

Is my data safe?

When you register to vote, you will automatically join what is called the ‘open’ register. This is the version of the register that anyone is allowed to buy. When you register to vote, you will have the choice to opt out of the open register, and this will not affect your right to vote.

If you opt out, you will join what is called the ‘full’ register. For more information, please click HERE

Anonymous voter registration

If you are worried about your name and address appearing on the full register, and think it could risk your safety or the safety of someone you live with, you can register to vote anonymously – this means your details won’t appear on any version of the register, but you will still be allowed to vote. To apply to register anonymously, you will need evidence to support your application. This could either be a court document, or a supporting statement from certain authorised persons like GPs, Directors of children’s or adult social services, or a police officer of Inspector rank or above.

Find out more about anonymous voting here

Why should I register?

Are you fed up with the poor services in your area? There is something you can do to help improve them! Voting gives you a say on important issues that affect you. Everything from roads and recycling in your area, health services to education and climate change. You may think you don’t want to vote now, but if an issue comes up that you want to have your say on, if you’re on the register you’ll have the chance to vote on it. Remember, registering to vote does not mean you have to, it just means you can if you want to!

Why should I vote?

Voting helps you have a say in decisions that affect your everyday life. Local elections choose councillors who make decisions about housing, Traveller sites, and planning. They also make decisions about local services like schools, health support, and social services. These decisions can affect where you live and the support your family receives. Voting is one way to make sure your voice is heard and your community is not ignored

Voting in elections

The Traveller Movement launched #OperationTravellerVote to ensure Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Travellers are registered to vote and most importantly, have their voices heard during elections.

This video showcases the reasons behind the lack of Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller vote:

Who should you vote for?

Not sure which candidate is right for you? You can decide by asking candidates about the issues that matter to Traveller communities. We have put together a short list of questions about housing and Traveller sites, fair treatment, education, health, and voting.

These questions can help you understand who will listen to your community and stand up for your rights. You can ask candidates in person, by email, or online. Asking questions is one way to make your voice heard.

You can ask candidates questions to see if they understand and support Traveller communities. You do not need to ask everything. Even one question is enough.

Questions:

· Will you support safe and legal Traveller sites?

· What will you do to protect existing sites?

· Will you make sure planning decisions are fair for Travellers?

· How will you challenge discrimination against Traveller people?

· What will you do to make sure Travellers are treated fairly by councils and services?

· How will you listen to Traveller voices when decisions are made?

· Will you stay in contact with Traveller communities after the election?

· How will you make schools safer for Traveller children?

· What will you do about bullying and discrimination in schools?

Remember

You have the right to ask questions and be listened to. Taking part is about having a voice, even if you have never voted before.