Poll cards are being delivered around Swindon ahead of election day - here's all you need to know.

The A5 cards will be sent to citizens who are registered to vote in the town, providing details of each person's nearest polling station as well as the photo ID requirements for the elections for the borough and police and crime commissioner, which are both on Thursday, May 2.

The poll card cannot be used as an accepted form of ID.

Voters can still use their photo ID even if it’s out of date, as long as it's still a likely representation of the person who appears on it.

The name on the form of ID should be the same name that was used as part of the voter registration process. Only original documents will be accepted.

If voters do not possess any of the accepted forms of photographic identification that are listed, they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by phoning the council on 01793 445 500 to request an application form by post, or visiting www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

Alternatively, electors can apply in person on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street. Completed applications must reach the council before 5pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Anyone applying for a Voter Authority Certificate will need to be registered to vote first.

Residents need to make sure that they are registered to vote before 11.59pm on April 16. It takes five minutes to register on the government’s website – search ‘register to vote’ online.

Voters who wish to use a postal vote will need to register by 5pm on April 17, 2024, while applications for proxy votes must be submitted by 5pm on April  24, 2024. More details on the different ways you can vote can be found on the council’s website www.swindon.gov.uk 

Swindon Borough Council’s returning officer Sam Mowbray said: “There is now less than six weeks until the borough and police and crime commissioner elections, so it is important that everyone who wishes to vote is registered and has a suitable form of photo ID to take with them to the polling station.

“The poll card provides detailed information on the photo ID that is suitable, and also guidance on applying for a Voter Authority Certificate if you do not have an appropriate photo ID.

"The Voter Authority Certificate will be valid for all future elections, for 10 years. I would encourage those who need to apply to do so as soon as possible.”