There is a new requirement for people who intend to vote in the BCP Council elections, which will be held on 4 May.

Voters in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will need to show an accepted form of photographic identification. This requirement was introduced under the UK Government’s Elections Act.

BCP Council is urging Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents to make sure they are ready to vote in 2023’s local elections by checking now for an accepted form of ID and bringing it with them to the polling station in May.

Accepted forms of ID include 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 voters don’t have accepted photo ID, they can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ later this month.

Graham Farrant, returning officer at BCP Council said: “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 wants to have their say in the elections – or wishes to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate – must also be registered to vote by Monday 17 April.

Residents can check to see if they are already on the electoral register and find out more information on BCP Council’s elections at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/elections, by calling 01202 123400, or emailing elections@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Those needing to register to vote can do so at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Residents will not need to provide photo ID to vote by post. To apply to vote by post, application forms must reach the council by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April.