Veteran ID cards to be accepted as voter ID at elections - here's when from
The Government has announced it has backed the use of Armed Forces veteran ID cards as voter ID in forthcoming elections.
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns says the move means veterans who have protected democracy during their service can now practise it with the card.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Alistair Carns highlighted the "great announcement" and deserved "recognition" that the card will now give those who have served.
The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is to be put on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD 90 ID card.
Mr Carns added: "When you join the service you get your MOD 90 ID card and then when you leave you hand your MOD 90 in, and you have nothing necessarily to show for your service.
"The veteran ID card gives people the recognition that they have served and now accepted as voter ID is just super."
The Government hopes it will help around 2,000,000 veterans engage in the voting process.
These changes will be introduced in time for local elections in May 2025, with Mr Carns confirming that "it will be broadened out in due course" with the Government working to ensure it is also accepted in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, a wider review of voter ID rules is underway, to understand its impact on citizens.
Mr Carns, a former colonel in the Royal Marines, who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in Afghanistan, quit the Armed Forces at the end of May after 24 years to stand in the general election in July and was pleasantly surprised when he received his card in the mail.
"Everybody who leaves now, there's I think been over 90,000 individuals that have left, have got their veteran ID card pretty much as soon as they leave."
He added: "And you get a little veterans pack. It was a surprise to me when I got it but, nevertheless, a welcome surprise."
When asked, what else he and the Government were looking to allow the veteran cards to be used for, Mr Carns said: "We've already had British Airways accept it as a form of identification, which is great, they've led the way and we're looking for more companies to follow suit.
"Soon it should be accepted as any form of official ID, which is fantastic for veterans as they come out of service."
To all the veterans who are yet to get a card, Mr Carns added: "Sign up for it as fast as possible, and we'll do our best to get it to you as quickly as possible."
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