The Government is changing the rules to require that everyone shows some kind of photo identification ID at Polling Stations before they are allowed to vote. This will start next May with Borough Council elections.

But only some kinds of photo ID will do. You can check the full list of acceptable ID options here on the Government’s website. A Driving Licence or a passport will do but what if you don’t have either? In that case you can do one of these three things now:

1. Apply for a postal vote. Anyone can have one and the new Voter ID rules do not apply to postal votes. Your voting slip comes direct to you at home by post with a reply paid envelope. If you still want to vote in person, you can drop the completed Postal Voter pack off at your nearest Polling Station on Election Day. You can find the application form at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/postal-voting It must be completed and returned to the Borough Council at Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, ME194LZ.

If you have any trouble downloading the form, let us know and we’ll get a form to you.

2. If you qualify for one, get an older persons Bus Pass. These are accepted for voting, and you never know… you might use it on a bus too. To apply go to Kent County Council’s website but be aware that there is likely to be a high demand so apply as soon as possible.

3. Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. You can do this on line on the Government’s website or you can get a paper copy of the application form from the Borough Council – telephone 01732 844522 and ask for Electoral Services.

Importantly, make sure you are also registered to vote! The deadline for voter registration is 11.59pm on Monday 17th April.