THOSE who would like to vote in the local elections in May have just days left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

Everyone who votes in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council elections on May 4 will need to show a valid form of photographic identification, a new condition of the government’s Elections Act.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, a driving licence or some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

If voters do not have any form of photo ID, they must apply for a VAC by 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

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

Matt Pitcher, head of elections at BCP Council, said: “With council elections taking place in BCP in just two weeks, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID right now.

“The deadline to apply for a VAC is fast approaching, and to make sure you have this certificate in time, I would encourage anyone without ID to apply.”

To apply, residents will need to provide their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, as well as being registered to vote.

If they do not know their National Insurance number, BCP Council will be in touch to ask for an alternative proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or bank statement.

Visit voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk to apply or call 01202 123400.

For the full list of accepted ID, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.