Congleton residents are being urged to remember their photo ID when they go to vote on Thursday 4 May. For the first time, voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- UK, European and Commonwealth passports
- UK or European drivers’ licences
- Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass
- The new free Voter Authority Certificate
- Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.
In Congleton, all the seats are contested, with more people than places available. David McGifford, Chief Officer at Congleton Town Council said: “It is great news for Congleton that 47 people are willing to put themselves forward for the role of councillor, but a hard fact that there are only 22 positions available. It is fantastic to see so much drive and energy from nominees wishing to serve their local community. The same passion is reflected in Cheshire East with 21 candidates standing to be a Cheshire East Councillor for the six roles available. You can see full details of who is asking for your vote on the town council’s web page: www.congleton-tc.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections. The result of the Cheshire East seats will be made public on Friday 5 May 2023, the successful councillors for Congleton Town will be announced on Sunday 7 May 2023.
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, don’t forget to check your bag, wallet, or pocket to make sure you have the ID you need to vote. A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private if they like. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy.”
The deadline to apply for photo ID and to vote by proxy was 25 April. If residents are unable to vote in person after this date because of a medical emergency, work reasons, or their photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged, they can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on polling day. Call the Cheshire East helpline immediately to find out how to apply: 0300 123 5016.
Cheshire East Council is responsible for managing both the town and borough elections, to find out more visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or telephone: 0300 123 5016 if you require assistance. For further information about the elections, visit the Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk
