Council delivers public reminder to register to vote

Swindon Borough Council are reminding members of the public to register to vote before 17 April, in time for the May local elections.

With the local elections only a few months away, the council are urging people to make sure they are up to speed with the new changes to be able to cast their votes on Thursday, 4 May.

Individuals are being reminded to register to vote before 17 April - the council says normally people only need to register once, rather than for every election.

More information on registering to vote can be found on the Gov UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Members of the public will, however, need to register again if they have changed their name, address, or nationality.

Following a national change, people will now need to take a form of photo ID with them to vote at a polling station.

The council says accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents and some concessionary travel passes.

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council added: "Poll cards are not accepted forms of photo ID. You can still use your ID even if it’s out of date – as long as it still looks like you and the name matches the one you’re registered to vote with.

"If you don't have a form of accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)."

A full list of accepted forms of identification and further details on how to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate can be found at: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20073/elections_and_voting/1307/voter_id_requirement_-_borough_and_parish_elections_2023