There are just two weeks left for people to register to vote in the local elections in Dudley.

People must be registered if they want to vote on May 4. The deadline for registration is April 17.

People are reminded they must have an approved form of photo identification if they want to vote at a polling station. A full list of approved forms of ID are available on the council’s website.

Anyone who does not have one of the approved forms of photo ID can apply for a free voter authority certificate which can be done online. The deadline for applying for a voter authority certificate, which can be used at a polling station in the same way, is April 25.

Residents can also apply for a postal vote by April 18 and can vote without the need for photo ID. Kevin O’Keefe, Dudley Council chief executive and electoral returning officer, said:

“People have to be registered if they want to be part of the democratic process and vote in the elections. There are also a few new rules which have come into force nationally, including the need for photo ID if people want to vote at a polling station.

“There are alternatives such as using a free voter authority certificate or applying for a postal vote, so people have plenty of options. I’d encourage people to find out what they need in advance and get ready for May 4.”

There’s lots of information on the council’s website including key dates, how to register and more details on voter ID and voter authority certificates.

Visit dudley.gov.uk and search ‘elections’.