Get your VAC and vote – solely days stay to use free of charge ID

Only days stay for residents to use for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) in time for the upcoming Town Council elections on Thursday 7 May.

Registered voters wishing to vote at polling stations on 7 May might want to present photographic identification.

Accepted types of ID embrace a passport; driving licence; and a few concessionary journey passes, akin to an older particular person’s bus go.

Voters will be capable of use expired ID if they’re nonetheless recognisable from the photograph.

The full listing of accepted ID is offered on the Electoral Commission’s web site: electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

If voters haven’t any type of photograph ID, they need to urgently apply for a VAC by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April. This will be finished on-line at: voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by contacting BCP Council for help.

Matt Pitcher, Head of Elections at BCP Council, stated:

“As the deadline to use free of charge voter ID looms, it is crucial that residents voting for city councillors in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole make certain they’re election prepared.

“Some residents could not have voted in latest elections, or could have not too long ago turned 18, so it’s essential that these wishing to vote test they’ve legitimate ID or apply for a VAC earlier than the deadline in order that they’ll forged their vote on the polling station.

“The process is straightforward but if you need any help applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can call us on 01202 123400 for assistance.”

Residents might want to present their identify, deal with, date of delivery and National Insurance quantity, to use, in addition to be registered to vote.

If voters don’t know their NI quantity, BCP Council will get in contact to ask for another proof of id, akin to a delivery certificates, financial institution assertion or utility invoice.

Residents may also want to supply a passport-style {photograph} as a part of their utility.

Notes to editors

Anyone who desires to have their say within the elections this May should even be registered to vote. It solely takes 5 minutes to register on-line at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.