required to vote at

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA), or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence, some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID.

Bromsgrove District’s Returning Officer, Kevin Dicks, said: “Now that the law has changed it is vital that those who want to vote on May 4th make sure they have an accepted form of ID. This applies to everyone voting at a polling station, so please consider getting ready now and avoid any late rush.”

“If you don’t already have one of the accepted forms of ID, you can apply for free ID either online or by sending in a paper application form. If you need any help, please just contact the Electoral Services team at the district council who will support you.”

The Electoral Commission has produced full and comprehensive advice on voter ID requirements. There are links to that alongside local information at www.bromsgrove. gov.uk/elections Alternatively, call 01527 881421 for Bromsgrove District Council’s Electoral Services team.

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year. It comes into effect for the first time this May.