Are you ready to vote? Here's what you need to vote in this year's local elections

Residents across Stockton-on-Tees are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May's local elections by checking they are registered and have an accepted form of photo ID.

This year's local elections will be the first time that people across the UK will need to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport, a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers' licence, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired photo ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free photographic ID online or by completing a paper form.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission's website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID. If you need any assistance please call the electoral helpline on 01642 526196.

Residents also need to make sure they are registered to vote in the local elections on 4 May 2023.

Registration can be done by visiting the  or by calling the Registration Helpline on 01642 526196 if you're unable to register online.

To apply for a postal vote or to register to vote by proxy, where you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf, visit the how to vote Government web page or call 01642 526196.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Head of Democratic Services, Jonathan Nertney, said: "This year's elections will be a little different because if you are voting at a polling station in May you will need to show photo ID before you can receive your ballot paper.

"Make sure you're ready for the polls in good time by checking you have a valid form of ID and that you're registered to vote. You can check the list of accepted IDs on the Electoral Commission website and if you don't have one of the accepted forms of ID, you can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form.

"The best way to register is by visiting the register to vote web page or alternatively you can call 01642 526196 if you're unable to register online."

Anyone wishing to apply for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

To find out more on the upcoming elections, visit the elections and voting web page.

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