People are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May's Great Yarmouth Borough Council elections by checking they have an accepted form of identification.

For the first time this May, all voters in England will be forced to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Voters will have to show photo ID before placing their ballots this May.Voters will have to show photo ID before placing their ballots this May. (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Earlier this month, plans to force voters to show identification at polling stations had come under renewed criticism after it emerged a public awareness campaign could cost more than £5.6m.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport, a UK, EEA or Commonwealth driver’s licence, and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Local Elections will be held on Thursday, May 4.Local Elections will be held on Thursday, May 4.

Denise Wilby, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s licensing and electoral services manager, said: "With elections taking place in Great Yarmouth on May 4, 2023, it is important that those who want to vote to make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early, but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

"Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s electoral services team."

READ MORE: Norfolk and Suffolk Election 2021: Low turnout in Great Yarmouth

The full list of accepted IDs 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, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team at 01493 846327 or via elections@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

Anyone who wants their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.