Voters are being reminded that time is running out to apply for a free voter ID ahead of the upcoming elections.

Anyone voting in May's elections will need to show an approved form of photo ID when they go to the polling stations on Thursday, May 2.

The elections will see the public vote for councillors for Dorset Council as well as their town and parish councils and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Following the Elections Act 2022, photographic ID is a mandatory requirement for everyone voting at polling stations.

For those that do not have an approved form of ID already, applications can be made for a free voter ID, but these must be submitted by Wednesday, April 24 at 5pm to be processed in time. This will be valid for 10 years. 

Various forms of photo ID are accepted, including a driving licence, passport, Older Person’s Bus Pass, a blue badge or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass. 

Residents will also need it to vote at general elections, expected to be called sometime this year.

Residents can use an expired ID as long as the photograph is still a good likeness.

Jonathan Mair, director of legal and democratic at Dorset Council, said: “With elections taking place in Dorset on May 2, it is important that people who want to vote at polling stations have an accepted form of ID.

“We want everyone to be able to exercise their right to vote and we urge people to remember to take their photo ID with them when they go to their polling station, or if they don’t have one, apply now for a free Voter Authority Certificate.”

To apply for a voter certificate visit https://bit.ly/4aZ40so