Stay in the picture -- and have your say on 2 May

Vote May 2nd

People are being urged to remember their photo ID when they vote on 2 May.

And residents are being reminded to check they are aware of new rules around the submitting of postal ballots.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper for the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Acceptable forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station for anyone who wants their photo ID viewed in private.

There are also some important new requirements around postal votes for elections. If a voter chooses to hand deliver their postal vote, rather than post it via Royal Mail, they will need to complete a Postal Vote Return Form. These forms will need to be completed with a person who has permission, from the Returning Officer, to receive the vote, either at a polling station, or staff in a specified council reception.

The number of postal votes that a person can hand in, on behalf of others, has also changed. Full information about the rule changes can be found on the Electoral Commission website