Voters in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being urged to check their photo ID, before the elections in May.

The requirement to show photo ID has been introduced under the new UK Government Elections Act, will be in effect for the first time this May.

The most recent election in the conurbation was in October, where Andy Martin was elected to the BCP Council as councillor for Highcliffe and Walkford in a by-election.

BCP residents will need to show an accepted form of identification at the local elections. These accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area or Commonwealth passport or driver's licence and some concessionary travel passes, like an older person’s bus pass.

The ID can be expired, provided the individual is still identifiable from the photo.

If voters do not own a piece of accepted identification, then they will be able to apply for a free voter ID document later this month. This is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Returning Officer at BCP Council, Graham Farrant, said: “With council elections taking place in BCP on 4 May 2023, 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 will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate either online or by completing a paper application form when this service launches in a few weeks’ time.”

Anyone who wishes to vote in the elections, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, must be registered by Monday April 17. To vote by post, application forms must have reached the council by Tuesday April 18.

To check if you are already on the electoral register, or to find out more information on the BCP Council elections, visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/elections, call 01202 123400, or email elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

To register to vote, visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote