Ashfield District Council launches 'tell one person' campaign to raise awareness of voter I.D requirements ahead of May's elections

Ashfield District Council has launched their "tell one person" campaign to ensure that all residents are aware of the voter I.D. requirements for May's elections.

The new campaign fronted by the Council's Chief Executive, Theresa Hodgkinson, features Council Officers and aims to encourage residents to speak to their friends, family, neighbours, and work colleagues about voter I.D. requirements.

Due to new government rules, voters in May's local election, and for all subsequent elections, will need to show photo I.D. to vote.

The following will be accepted as proof of identity at the polling stations on 4 May:

·      A UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence

·      A UK passport

·      A PASS card

·      A Blue Badge

·      A biometric residence permit (BRP)

·      A Defence Identity Card

The full list of accepted photo I.D. can be found on the Electoral Commission's website which can be accessed by clicking here.

Anyone who doesn't have an accepted form of photo I.D., doesn't look like their photo anymore, or has a different name on their I.D. to their name on the electoral register, can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for applying for the free voter I.D. is next Tuesday (25 April). 

Ruth Dennis, Executive Director of Legal and Governance said: "It is so important that all residents can have their voices heard by voting in the local elections. We want to make sure that as many residents as possible know about the need to have photo I.D. to vote. We don't want this to stand in the way of people voting so we are asking everyone to just tell one person about voter I.D. requirements."