A Cheshire East councillor has expressed fears residents might lose their right to vote if they wait until the last minute to get photo ID.

For the first time, residents across the country will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year's local elections.

And they are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Macclesfield councillor Nick Mannion (Lab), pictured, told the corporate policy committee: "The Local Government Association estimate two million people are on electoral registers across the country who don't have currently acceptable photo ID and, of those two million, only half of one per cent, less than 10,000 to date from returns from local elections officers, have actually applied.

"My concern is we'll get a massive surge at the very last minute and will we have the capacity to deal with it? Because, for me, one person denied the right to vote is one too many."

Cheshire East is urging residents to ensure they have acceptable photo ID as soon as possible.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

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

If you don't have photo ID, you'll need a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the local elections in England on 4 May 2023 is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023, nine days before the elections. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

But Commonwealth drivers' licences are not acceptable ID.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID online via the gov.uk website 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.

Ailsa Irvine, director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: "Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May 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."

Dr Lorraine O'Donnell, returning officer at Cheshire East Council and its chief executive, said: "With elections taking place in Cheshire East on 4 May 2023, 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 Cheshire East Council's 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 on 0300 123 5016 or email: [email protected]."

Every seat is up for election at Cheshire East Council on May 4, 2023 and parish and town council elections are also being held in the borough.

If you don't have a photo ID you have until then to get one, or April 25 to get a voter authority certificate.

You must also check if you are registered to vote, with the deadline for that being April 17.

Find out more here.

If you are curious in standing for councillor yourself, there's an event in Macclesfield all about it this month.

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