Local voters are reminded new rules are in play for this year’s council elections. Anyone wishing to vote will need to show ID before they can cast their vote.

Photo ID including passports, driving licences, Blue Badges, some concessionary travel cards and certain national identity cards are all accepted. The Government said it has brought in the rules across the UK as a way to tackle electoral fraud.

People voting by post won’t need photo ID, but will give their signature and date of birth on the postal vote statement as normal. Voters who don’t have a valid ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

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This can be done either online from the government website or by filling in an application form and giving it to their council. People who don’t bring valid photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate will not be able to vote.

Councillors in the city, as well as those sitting on the district and borough councils will be fighting for their seats on Thursday, May 4. All 54 of the city council seats and the city mayor’s position will be up for grabs, with the full list of candidates expected to be announced shortly.

Leicester City Council’s returning officer, Miranda Cannon, said: “With local elections taking place on May 4, I would urge voters who want to vote in person to ensure they are ready, by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID. Many people will have one of the forms of ID, such as their passport, photo driving licence or Blue Badge for example.

“Those who don’t, can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate quickly and easily online, which will require a photo and their National Insurance details, and I would encourage people to apply as soon as possible. We don’t want anyone to find themselves in a position where they want to vote but are unable to do so.

The information, both on our website and on the Electoral Commission’s website, sets out what people need to do in order to ensure their voices are heard at election time.”

The Electoral Commission website also has help and advice for people who may have difficulty in producing the right photo ID, such as gypsies and travellers, older people, homeless people, transgender and non-binary people, to help ensure they are able to vote. More information can also be found on the Leicester City Council website.

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