Make sure you have photo ID to vote

There’s only one week left to ensure you have photo ID if you want to vote in person in this year’s local elections.

At these elections, held on Thursday 4 May, one third of the 51 seats on Bury Council will be contested (one in each of Bury’s 17 wards). Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on election day.

For the first time, if you vote at a polling station, you will need to show identification which contains a photograph of you.

For further information about which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterIDor call the helpline 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have any of the photographic ID listed, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from the Government.

To apply, go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificateor call the helpline 0800 328 0280. Applications must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

• Residents are reminded that staff at the Passport Office are taking strike action. If you have sent off your passport for renewal, and this is the only photo ID you have, you may not receive your new passport in time for the elections. In which case, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, as outlined above.

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 April 2023.