"Remember your voter ID for May elections" says Wokingham Borough Council
For the first time, residents of Wokingham Borough will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year's local elections.
Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as they are still recognisable from the photo. A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and how to apply for free ID.
Andrew Moulton, returning officer at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “With elections taking place in Wokingham Borough on 4 May, it is important that 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 free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to the council’s electoral services team. Contact us if you need any help with applying.”
Anyone who wants to have their say at the local elections must also be registered to vote. It only takes fives minutes to register online and anyone wishing to apply for free voter ID should make sure they are registered to vote.
If a voter would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, they can apply to vote by post or proxy, which removes the need for photo ID. However, their proxy will still need to show their photo ID.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote for the May elections is Tuesday 18 April and for a proxy vote is Tuesday 25 April.
Residents with questions can contact the council’s electoral services team at electoralservices@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 6000.