RESIDENTS who are planning to vote in local elections in Epping Forest later this year are being reminded they will need to bring a form of ID.  

Changes to the voting system will be implemented before the upcoming elections.

Voters in England will need to show a photo ID to vote at polling stations for some elections starting from May 4, 2023.

This will apply to local elections, police and crime commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions.

Starting this October, it will also apply to UK general elections.

Accepted forms of photo ID are passports issued by UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country.

Driving licences and blue badges issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state.

With some travelling cards, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram card and other government-issued documents.

Out-of-date photo IDs will also be accepted if the voters' names are the same and if the photo on the ID looks identical to the voter.

If you don't have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Find out more by visiting electoralcommission.org.uk.