Local elections take place on May 4 and people across Dudley borough are being urged to register to vote.

New rules which have come into force this year, mean that people will also need photo identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or some travel passes if they want to vote in person at a polling station.

People who do not have photo ID can apply for a free voter authority certificate which can be used at the polls in the same way. People can still vote by postal ballot without the need for any photo ID. Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive at Dudley Council and electoral returning officer, said:

"If people want to play a part in the democratic process they need to register to vote. There are some changes this year that people need to be aware of, such as needing an acceptable form of photographic ID to be able to cast their vote at a polling station.

"It is really important people find out what they need to do well in advance – there’s lots of options."

The deadline to register to vote is April 17 and can be done online. People have until April 25 to apply for a voter authority certificate, which can also be done online.

More information on voter ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.