West Berkshire Council urges people to sort out ID ahead of May's local council elections

Polling cards are starting to arrive through letter boxes in West Berkshire this week.

But the council is repeating calls to remind voters to sort out a form of ID ahead of polling day.

There are 120,286 people who can vote in the district’s May local council elections.

“We really want to get the message out that people will be asked for photo ID in this election for the first time,” said West Berkshire chief executive Nigel Lynn, who is the returning officer and responsible for the process.

He said that there will be 132 polling stations, employing 390 staff on polling day itself, with 140 staff on the vote counting.

That will take place on May 5, the day after the election, at Newbury Racecourse.

Postal votes account for 22,069 members of the electorate and postal vote registration needs to be in by April 18, at 5pm.

People need to register to vote by April 17, if they haven’t already done so.

Nominations for candidates standing close on April 4.

“Voter photo ID is being used for first time in elections and you will be turned away without it,” added Mr Lynn, concerned that if people aren’t aware of the new regulation they will not be able to vote.

“A voter authority certificate can be applied for until 25th April – we have had 100 people apply so far.”

Details of photo ID needed are on the polling cards, but the council also has this number – (01635) 519464 – for election enquiries.