The deadline to apply for a free voting ID - known as a Voter Authority Certificate - for the upcoming local elections is now approaching.

Residents in the St Albans District have until 5pm on Tuesday (April 25) to apply to St Albans City & District Council for the item.

This year's local election will take place on Thursday, May 4, with voters required to bring a form of photo ID.

Click here to view all of this year's candidates.

Along with Voter Authority Certificates, UK passport or driver’s licence, current or expired; Government-funded bus passes for older or disabled people; and a PASS card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram will all be accepted.

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Amanda Foley, returning officer for St Albans City and District, said: "The requirement for voters to present photo ID at polling stations is a major change to how our elections are managed.

"It has been described as the biggest change to in-person voting in 150 years.

"The new rule will also apply to General Elections from this October, so it is something we all need to get used to.

“I urge people to check the list of approved photo ID to see if they can provide one of the accepted types, making sure the photo is indeed a true likeness of them.

                                                                                            

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“Voters must also remember to bring the ID along to polling stations.

"If they do not present photo ID, they will not be able to vote.

“Anyone who doesn’t have photo ID should apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Herts Advertiser: Amanda Foley of St Albans City & District Council's.Amanda Foley of St Albans City & District Council's.

"The deadline for doing so is fast approaching.

"On election day, we will have greeters outside polling stations reminding people to have their photo ID ready and dealing with any related issues."

Visit The Electoral Commission's website for further details of how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate www.electoralcommission.org.uk