News

Residents in the Rochford District are being urged to prepare ahead of the UK parliamentary general election taking place on Thursday 4 July.

Anyone who wants to have their say in the general election must be registered to vote by Tuesday 18 June. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

For the first time, voters will need to show photographic ID to vote in a UK parliamentary general election. Residents are being advised to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth 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.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form. The deadline for applying ahead of the general election is 5pm Wednesday 26 June. Voters wishing to apply should first make sure they are registered to vote.