The deadline for residents who want a free voter ID for upcoming town council elections in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone is looming.
A total of 50 town councillors will be elected to three new town councils on Thursday, May 7.
There are 27 new parish wards across Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone which residents will be electing councillors to.
In order to vote in May residents in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will need to be registered to vote and show an acceptable form of photo ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence and some concessionary bus passes.
Expired ID is accepted if voters are still recognisable from the photo on the ID.
If voters don’t have any form of photo ID, they should apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.
This can be done online at: voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by contacting BCP Council for assistance.
Residents will need to provide their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, to apply, as well as be registered to vote.
If voters don’t know their NI number, BCP Council will get in touch to ask for an alternative proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.
Residents will also need to provide a passport-style photograph as part of their application.
Matt Pitcher, head of elections at BCP Council, said: “As the deadline to apply for free voter ID looms, it is important that residents voting for town councillors in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole make sure they’re election ready.
“Some residents may not have voted in recent elections, or may have recently turned 18, so it’s crucial that those wishing to vote check they have valid ID or apply for a VAC before the deadline so that they can cast their vote at 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 living in Christchurch will not be able to vote in this year’s election, parish and town council elections in Christchuch will take place in 2027.
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