By-election voters reminded of want for photograph ID when casting their poll

Voters heading to the polls in Thursday’s Tendring District Council (TDC) by-election are being reminded that they should take an accepted type of photograph identification with them.

Electors within the Bluehouse ward, in Clacton, are voting for one councillor to characterize them on TDC, following the resignation of certainly one of their earlier councillors on the finish of final yr.

Polling stations within the ward will open at 7am on Thursday and shut at 10pm, earlier than the ballots are counted. The polling stations are at Albert Edward Corridor and Coppins Corridor Neighborhood Centre.

Following the introduction of recent laws final yr, electors casting their poll in individual at a polling station should present an accepted type of photograph ID earlier than they’ll vote for one of many ten candidates.

Accepted types of ID embrace: a UK or Commonwealth passport; a UK driving licence; a PASS card; Blue Badge; Older Particular person’s bus cross; or a Voter Authority Certificates.

For extra details about Voter ID, together with the total listing of accepted photograph identification, go to the TDC web site at www.tendringdc.uk/content/voter-id.

A number of hundred electors have already forged their vote on this election as they’ve opted to vote by publish.

Ian Davidson, Returning Officer, mentioned it was vital individuals took their photograph ID with them.

“Though photograph ID was a requirement for voters at our all-out elections final yr, we recognise that is nonetheless a comparatively new measure and so wish to remind individuals to take one of many prescribed types of ID with them after they go to vote,” Mr Davidson mentioned.

“Bear in mind the prescribed identification doc could be expired, supplied the photograph remains to be likeness of you.

“Anybody who forgets their ID – or brings ID that isn’t on the prescribed listing – can return later, supplied it’s earlier than 10pm when polling stations shut.”

Anybody who doesn’t have one of many prescribed types of ID however nonetheless needs to vote ought to contact Tendring District Council’s Elections workforce on 01255 686575 to have a look at different choices to allow their voice to be heard within the by-election.