Anyone who needs a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) to vote in Manchester’s forthcoming local elections is being reminded that they only have until 5pm on Tuesday 25 April to apply online.
New national rules means that electors heading to polling stations for the local elections on 4 May will need to have approved photo ID with them in order to cast their votes.
Many people will have what they need already – the list of accepted photo ID includes UK and EU passports, photocard driving licences, parking blue badges and a number of other eligible documents. A full list of approved ID can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID .
This ID can still be used even if the document itself is out of date as long as the photo is still a good likeness of the elector.
But anyone who wants to vote and does not already have any of the ID required will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate by the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 25 April. People will only be able to apply for a VAC if they are already on the electoral register.
Joanne Roney OBE, Returning Officer for Manchester, said:
“While the local elections are not until early next month it’s essential that people are aware they may need to act immediately to ensure they are able to vote.
“I’d encourage everyone who wants to have their say at the ballot box to take 30 seconds to check whether they have approved Voter ID – and if not to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before it is too late.
“Local elections are a familiar part of democratic life but changes to national legislation mean that they are a bit different this year. The last thing we want is for anyone who wants to vote to miss out.”