You usually don’t need your polling card to vote—you can generally vote as long as you’re registered and can prove your identity/address if required by the rules where you’re voting.[1][8]
UK (and polling cards / “poll cards”)
- You can vote without your poll card: if you’ve registered, you can still vote at the polling station by confirming your name and address (the poll card isn’t required to cast your ballot).[1]
- Your poll card mainly helps you with which station to go to and other details.[1]
- Important: UK elections may require you to bring accepted photo ID (and the poll card is not accepted as photo ID).[5]
US (voter registration card)
- If you’re in the US and referring to a voter registration card, you do not need to show your card to vote.[8]
Quick check (so you get the exact rule)
Reply with:
1) Country/state you’ll vote in, and
2) Which election (date or “local / general / primary”),
and I’ll tell you the specific requirement for your area.
Sources
Your voter information card confirms you’re registered to vote and tells you when and where to cast your ballot. Here’s what you need to know about when to expect it in the mail — and what happens if you don’t receive it.
www.cbc.caLocal elections are taking place for 136 local authorities on 7 May, including some of the largest cities in the country and the whole of London.Can I still register to vote? The deadline for voter…
www.independent.co.ukNormal poll card. Poll cards. Content of poll cards in the local elections.
www.rochdale.gov.ukAn overview of voting in the UK, including voting in person, postal and proxy voting, and voting if you're abroad.
www.gov.ukAfter you register to vote, you will get a voter registration card by mail. Find out how to replace a lost card. You will not need to show your card to vote.
www.usa.govA guide for journalists on the local elections in England in May 2023
www.electoralcommission.org.ukIf you want to vote in the election but don't have a polling card, don't worry, you can vote without it
www.moneysavingexpert.com