Voters have just one day left to apply for a free photo ID needed to cast a ballot in upcoming local elections this May.

From May 4 2023 voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in a host of different elections, including local, parliamentary, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and referendums.

The plans will see voters being turned away from polling stations across the North East under the new rules if they are unable to provide a valid photo ID.

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Approximately two million people in the UK do not possess a passport, driving licence, or other form of photo identification required under the new restrictions.

And with the just 24 hours left to apply for a new free photo ID introduced by the government, fewer than 75,000 people have applied - less than 4% of the expected number (as of April 21).

Votes in local elections across Teesside, Darlington, and Tyne and Wear are due to take place on May 4.

Fears have been raised that the new rules will see thousands of residents excluded from voting, including those in poorer communities who may be least likely to have a valid photo ID.

Census data released earlier this year revealed that 20.5% of residents in County Durham do not hold a passport, with some parts of the county returning higher percentages.

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The county is among areas of the UK identified as an ‘ID blackspot’ with 107,031 holding no passport. In the Peterlee East ward, 31.5 per cent of residents do not have a passport – the third highest figure in the North East.

The new free photo ID, called a Voter Authority Certificate, was launched in January and the last day to apply to get the ID before the May elections is Tuesday April 25.

How to apply online for a free photo ID to vote

If your current photo ID is not accepted, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online by clicking HERE. You can check whether your current ID is accepted below.

To apply you will need a recent photo of yourself and your National Insurance number.

When is the deadline?

The deadline to apply for the Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm on April 25.

Is my current photo ID accepted to vote?

If you have any of the following types of photo ID or travel pass you will be able to vote:

  • a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
  • a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
  • a UK passport
  • a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country
  • a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • a Blue Badge
  • a biometric residence permit (BRP)
  • a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)
  • a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • a Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card
  • a Voter Authority Certificate
  • an Anonymous Elector’s Document
  • an older person’s bus pass
  • a disabled person’s bus pass
  • an Oyster 60+ card

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  • a Freedom Pass
  • a Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC)
  • a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • a Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass