READING Borough Council is encouraging residents to make sure they are prepared for upcoming elections by checking their electoral registration status.
With a number of elections upcoming, including local borough and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which are both set to take place on Thursday, May 2.
The council is urging residents to ensure their details are up to date in light of several changes to how polling is conducted this year.
Registration to vote closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 16.
Last year new legislation required those voting to show photographic ID, meaning those visiting the polling stations around Reading will need to bring identification.
Valid forms of ID include a passport, a driving or provisional license, a Blue Badge card, concessionary travel cards such as Oyster 60+ cards, and identity cards with the Proof of Age Standards mark.
Certain national identity, defence identity, and biometric immigration documents are also valid, and the ID does not have to be within its expiration period.
Voters can also register online to receive a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Alternatively, voting can be conducted through postal or proxy submission, with no requirement of ID for postal voting, and only the proxy voter’s ID required to vote on behalf of another.
Postal voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, April 17, and proxy voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, April 24, submitted via a Royal Mail post box or submitted in person at the council offices on Bridge Street.
Postal voting status is valid for a maximum period of three years and must be reapplied for, though the council will contact residents with a written reminder ahead of the expiry.
New legislation this year will mean that as well as supplying their National Insurance number, name, address, date of birth, and signature, voters will have to complete a relevant application form.
Michael Graham, Reading Borough Council’s returning officer, said: “It may seem early to be talking about getting ready for the Local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 2, but changes brought in last year, and new ones this year, mean it is important to check now.
“If you have voted at your local polling station for many years, it is easy to fall back on your same routine, but all residents will need to bring the right photographic ID with them when they come to vote in their Polling Station.
“If they don’t bring photo ID, then they will be asked to return home to find the acceptable form of photo ID before they can vote.”
He explained: “There is, of course, an easy alternative to voting in person and having to show ID, which is to apply for a postal vote–you can do that via the Council’s website.
“I’d also urge anyone who is unsure to make sure they are registered to vote.
“If you are not registered, it only takes 5 minutes online and can be done at gov.uk/register-to-vote.”
More information about electoral registration is available by contacting the council by calling: 0118 937 3717, or by emailing: elections@reading.gov.uk
Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and borough elections are set to take place on Thursday, May 2.
