People are taking to polling stations across Merseyside this week to vote in local elections and for the first time will need to bring ID in order to vote.
Liverpool and Wirral will see all out elections, meaning every voter in those areas will be asked to decide on who they want to represent them for the next four years while in Sefton and Knowsley, around a third of candidates are up for election.
Due to a new law which was passed last year, the Elections Act, people will be required for the first time to provide proof of identity before being allowed to vote.
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The new rules introduced by the government affect people voting in local elections this week, but will also be rolled out for police and crime commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and from October UK general elections.
The Conservatives have included voter ID in its past few election manifestos, claiming it would "protect the integrity of our democracy." The Elections Act 2022, which includes the requirement for the first time, passed through parliament last year and has now become law.
The Electoral Reform Society has described the introduction of voter ID as an "expensive distraction" and likely to deter people from voting.
Sefton Council officers ahave previously spoken of concerns over the logistical challenges of ensuring voter ID is checked at the polls, with councillors speaking of her fears it would disenfranchise voters.
The goverment has released a list of photo ID that is deemed acceptable for presenting at the polling station, and this includes passports, driving licenses, blue badges as well as government funded older person's and disabled person's bus passes.
People are also able to request voter ID certificates if they do not have valid ID, although the deadline for the local elections has now passed.
If you don't bring photo ID or a voter ID certificate with you to the polling station, you will not be allowed to vote. People are being advised to set a reminder so they don't forget their ID and can use their right to vote this coming Thursday.
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