READING Borough Council is reminding residents to ensure they are registered to vote as the deadline approaches.
Residents have until midnight on Tuesday, April 16, to make sure that they are registered to vote ahead of elections in May.
Legislation put in place last year required those voting to show photographic ID, meaning those visiting the polling stations around Reading will need to bring identification in all future elections.
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.
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.
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.
The council has explained that staff will be on hand to help voters with any questions about filling out their slips or casting their vote.
RBC has also laid out changes to polling stations in Tilehurst and Whitley, with Scout and Guide Hut electors now set to vote at Tyndale Baptist Church on Cressingham Road, and Whitley Wood Community Centre electors set to vote at the new community centre in Lexington Grove.
Michael Graham, electoral registration officer for Reading Borough Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at both elections in May. Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Reading.
“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote, or have questions about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, or free ID, you can contact Reading Borough Council on 0118 937 3717 or elections@reading.gov.uk”.
Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and borough elections are set to take place on Thursday, May 2
More information about registering to vote is available via: reading.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy
