Swindon residents must register to vote for the upcoming local elections by Monday, 17th April.
Swindonians are also reminded about a recent change in legislation which now requires anyone voting at a polling station on 4th May to present an accepted form of photo ID.
Common accepted IDs include UK passports, driving licenses, and some concessionary travel passes, and a full list can be found on the back of the poll card letters or on the website www.swindon.gov.uk/voterID.
People can still use their expired photo ID as long as it looks like them and has the same name used in the voter registration process.
If a resident doesn’t have any ID or is unsure if it’s valid, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
To apply, residents must first be registered to vote, which can be done online by 11.59 pm on Monday, 17th April, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Susie Kemp, Swindon Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “There are several ways to cast your ballot at this year’s borough and parish elections, but make sure you are registered to vote before 17th April to have your voice heard.
“Many different types of ID can be used at the polling station, all you need to do is remember to bring it with you on polling day (4th May) or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline if you need one.”
Those wishing to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate need to do so before 5 pm on Tuesday, 25th April, either online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate, by post, or in person at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.
Proxy voters should ensure that the person voting on their behalf takes their own ID, and postal voting will remain the same.
Completed postal and proxy voting application forms should arrive at the internal mailbox at the Civic Offices or be sent to elecreg@swindon.gov.uk before 5 pm on 18th April for postal vote applications and 5 pm on 25th April for proxy vote applications.
