Still time to register for election vote ID

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council is reminding residents that applications to apply for free voter identification is due to close next week.

National legislation means that the government will require voters to show photographic ID when attending polling stations for the first time.

Those voting in person can use a passport, driving license or provisional license, a Blue badge, or biometric immigration documents to prove their identity.

Those without a valid form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the government website, or by requesting a printed form via Reading’s Electoral Services Team.

The deadline for applying for a certificate is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

Certain concessionary travel cards such those given to the elderly, including bus passes and Oyster 60+ cards, are permissable.

Identity cards bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram are permissable, as are Defence Identity Cards and certain other national identity cards.

Expired forms of identity are still permissable as long as they are still recognisable from the photograph.

The deadline for applying to vote by proxy closed on Tuesday, April 18.

Michael Graham, Reading