Photo ID application deadline for local elections in Cambridgeshire is approaching

The deadline for applying for a photo ID certificate is approaching for people who need one to vote in the local elections on May 4.

This year will be the first time people in England will be required to show a photo ID when they go to vote.

The law changed last year so that voters have to show photo ID before being issued a ballot paper in polling stations for any election.

People who do not have a photo ID can apply for a voter authority certificate, but need to do so before the deadline at 5pm on April 25, in order to be able to vote in the May local elections.

Elections will be held for Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council and Peterborough City Council.

City and district councils are responsible for providing a number of services including waste collection, running leisure facilities, providing council housing, and making planning decisions.

People can apply for the voter authority certificate through the gov.uk website, where they will be asked to provide a recent digital photo of themselves and their National Insurance number.

It is also possible to apply for the certificate by post. People will need to print off the form from the gov.uk website and then fill it out and send it to their local electoral registration office.