Sandwell voters who will be casting their vote at a polling station on Thursday 4 May are being urged to check they have photographic ID.

The new requirement for all voters to show photographic ID before they are issued with a ballot paper comes into force at next month’s Local Elections.

Forms of photo ID that will be accepted at the polling station include a passport, a photo driving licence (including a provisional licence), a Blue Badge or an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass. Other bus passes are not able to be used. A full list is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Expired photo ID will be accepted as long as the photo still looks like you. Sandwell Council’s Returning Officer Shokat Lal said:

“The deadline for applying for free photo ID if you need it is fast approaching. Everyone who intends to vote at a polling station in the May elections should now check they have an accepted form of photographic identification.

“Anyone who doesn’t have a form of photo ID that will be accepted at the polling station has until 5pm on Tuesday 25 April to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

“You can do this online or by going to any Sandwell library or Sandwell Council House in Oldbury where staff will be happy to help you to apply.”

Anyone who is not registered to vote must do so by Monday 17 April in order to vote at the May Local Elections.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April, and the deadline for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.