With millions of voters heading to the polls on Thursday 4th July for the UK elections, Veterans are reminded that, despite attempts from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Veterans Cards cannot be used as formal identification. The list of acceptable forms of ID is set in law and consists of obvious items such as passports and driving licences, but other forms are accepted with the full list available at the Electoral Commission website.
Recently, a former Army officer with a 27 year service to HM Armed Forces, was unable to vote at local elections due to his Veterans Card not being accepted. After his disappointment went viral on social media, Veterans are being assured that plans are underway to get the ID card added to the formal identification list.
When the second phase of the Veterans Card roll out began at the start of the year with a digital application option, by the end of February over 70,000 applications had been received which has likely significantly increased over the months since.
With the Veterans ID card not being recognised as lawful identification as yet, this has lead to frustration amongst Veterans as the case of the former Army Officer has identified, and leaves a lack of commitment feeling once again to the veterans community. Worth noting that on the Electoral Commission website, the Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card) is an accepted form of ID.
Why has the Veterans ID card been introduced and how do I get one? Click here to find out.