ID needed to vote in May

For the first time, residents in Cheshire East will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year's local elections.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

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 or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online via the gov.uk website voteridentification@cheshireeast.gov.uk"

Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online here. . Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

Eligible voters can, alternatively, vote by post. It's easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government's Elections Act, which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.