Local elections – residents need photo ID to vote on 4 May

For the first time this year, local residents will need to show photographic ID at the polls on Thursday 4 May in order to have their say on who represents them on Rochdale Borough Council.

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

With this in mind, residents are being encouraged to make sure they are ready by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted ID includes a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If you have a postal vote, you’ll be able to use it in the same way and additional ID won’t be required.

Council elections manager Clare Poole said: “It’s important those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free voter ID document, called a voter authority certificate, either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team.

“If you need any help with applying or want to request an application form, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections or call 0300 303 0345.”

You need to be registered to vote in order to apply for free ID – the easiest way to register is online at www.rochdale.gov.uk/RegisterToVote

Visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections to find out more about voting in the local elections. If you have any questions you can also email elections@rochdale.gov.uk.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.

Anyone who doesn’t have photo ID can apply for free ID online from 16 January at www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections or by completing a paper form.

The full list of accepted ID is available online along with details of how to apply for the free ID.