You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station

The requirement to produce a valid form of photographic ID in order to vote at a polling station was introduced by the Government in the Elections Act 2022.

Accepted forms of ID include:

•    UK, European Economic Area (EEA) and Commonwealth passports
•    UK, EEA and Commonwealth driving licences
•    specified concessionary travel passes, including older person's bus pass

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Ahead of the local elections on Thursday 4 May, a reminder card has been sent to every registered voter in the borough about the need to produce valid photo ID at polling stations, together with information on all accepted forms of ID and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Aftab Razzaq, Returning Officer for Rugby, said: "The Electoral Commission has launched a nationwide promotional campaign to raise awareness of the introduction of photo ID at May's elections and the reminder cards form part of my work to support the campaign in Rugby.

"If you're eligible to vote and did not receive a reminder card, please make sure you're registered to vote by contacting us as soon as possible.

"If you received a reminder card but your name has changed since you registered to vote, please send us a copy of your marriage certificate or change of name deed poll to make sure the electoral register has your correct details."

Mr Razzaq added: "I want to make sure every eligible voter in the borough can vote on 4 May, so I'd encourage everyone to take five minutes now to register to vote if required, check whether you own an accepted form of photo ID and, if not, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline."

A full list of accepted photo ID has been published on the Electoral Commission's website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

To check whether you have registered to vote, email your name and address to elections@rugby.gov.uk or call (01788) 533595.

You can register to vote via the council's website: www.rugby.gov.uk/vote

To vote in the local elections on 4 May 2023, you must register by Monday 17 April.

You can update your name on the electoral register by sending relevant documents to elections@rugby.gov.uk or by post to: Electoral Services, Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR.

To apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, a postal vote or proxy vote, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/elections

For the May local elections, you must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.

Applications for a postal vote must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April, while applications for a proxy vote must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.