People are being urged to remember their photo ID when they vote on Thursday (May 2nd). 

And residents are being reminded to check they are aware of new rules around the submitting of postal ballots.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper for the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections. 

Acceptable forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA drivers' licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. 

At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station for anyone who wants their photo ID viewed in private. 

There are also some important new requirements around postal votes for elections. If a voter chooses to hand deliver their postal vote, rather than post it via Royal Mail, they will need to complete a Postal Vote Return Form. These forms will need to be completed with a person who has permission, from the Returning Officer, to receive the vote, either at a polling station, or staff in a specified council reception.

The number of postal votes that a person can hand in, on behalf of others, has also changed. Full information about the rule changes can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

The council is urging people to submit their postal votes as early as possible.

Craig Westwood, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said: "Anyone voting at a polling station in England will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station on Thursday 2 May, don't forget to check you have the ID you need to vote.

"Anyone concerned about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won't need to give a reason for their request or explain why they'd prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy."

The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission's website.

Rob Polkinghorne, Electoral Registration Officer for Cheshire East Council, said:"With only a week to go, make sure you're ready for the elections on 2 May. Check you've got an accepted form of photo ID and remember to bring it with you to the polling station on election day. 

"If you need any help, you can contact the electoral services team on 0300 123 5016 or visit the Electoral Commission website."

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day, 2 May. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else's behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID. 

To appoint an emergency proxy, the relevant application form must be completed and returned to the Elections Office. For further information call 0300 123 5016.

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