RESIDENTS in Cradley Heath, Old Hill, Rowley Regis and Oldbury are reminded they will need to show photographic ID at the polling station when they vote for a local councillor in May.

One seat will be up for election in each of Sandwell’s 24 wards on Thursday May 2, as well as the Combined Authority Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking they have an accepted form of photo ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/voterID or by completing a paper form.

Shokat Lal, Sandwell Council’s Returning Officer said: “It is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.

“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to our electoral services team.

“If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, you can go into any Sandwell library or the Council House at Oldbury where staff will be happy to help with your application.

“If you need to speak to someone about your photo ID, or to request a paper application if you can’t make one online, please call 0121 569 6999.”

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station was introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act and came into effect for the first time in May 2023.