Residents in Newtown and across Powys are being reminded that they will need to show photographic ID in order to vote in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 2 May.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID. Accepted forms of ID include:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge
• 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
• Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

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

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

The full list of accepted ID 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 www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said:

"Anyone voting at a polling station will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It's important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station, on the Electoral Commission's website."

Emma Palmer, Returning Officer at Powys County Council, said:

"With the Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on 2 May 2024, it is important that those who want to vote 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 our electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team by emailing [email protected] or telephone 01597 826202."

In order to be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, residents must also be registered to vote, which can be done online in just five minutes.

It is important for voters to make sure they are registered before applying for free ID from their council.

The photo ID requirement was introduced by the UK Government's Elections Act and was implemented for the first time in May 2023.