Council apology after envelopes say photo ID needed for election
BBCA council has apologised after sending out polling cards in envelopes that incorrectly say photo identification will be needed to vote in the Scottish Parliament elections.
The envelopes sent out by South Ayrshire Council say UK Parliamentary Election on the front, along with instructions on the back that state photo ID will be required on polling day.
However, that is not the case for Scottish elections, only UK elections.
The local authority said the mistake was due to "an error by a third party printer" and stressed that photo ID would not be needed when voters go to the polls on Thursday.
A local resident who got in touch with BBC Scotland News via Your Voice said they were concerned people could be disfranchised if they thought photo ID was needed and did not have it.
A large part of the back of the envelope says "you will need photo ID to vote" along with a block of text that reads: "You will need to show photo ID to vote at a polling station".
It then suggests applying for a free voter authority certificate if required.
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "We are aware that, due to an error by a third party printer, envelopes containing poll cards have incorrect information on them.
"The poll cards issued are correct and are in relation to the Scottish Parliamentary Election on Thursday 7 May 2026.
"Contrary to what is printed on the envelopes containing the poll card, photographic ID will not be required to vote. We apologise for any confusion."
