The Latest Breaking News from the Electoral Commission

Cross-party thinktank Demos said the results show those who are traditionally disengaged from the democratic process will be even less likely to vote with the extra hurdle of Voter ID

First test of controversial photo requirement will be local elections on 4 May

MPs accuse Rachel Maclean of being unable to answer how government will record impact of new system

Hundreds of campaign leaflets including the incorrect advice were sent in "error" to residents ahead of next week's local elections. New Voter ID rules have been introduced

Voters in England will for the first time have to produce photo I.D. in order to cast their ballot when polling stations open in local elections next week, sparking concern that some parts of the electorate will in effect be disenfranchised by the change.

Thousands will be heading to the polling station on May 4

More than 80,000 applications for photo identification have been submitted so far.

Just 4% of the numbers expected have applied for the Government's new Voter Authority Certificate, figures show

Polling stations across England are drafting in extra staff to help deal with the introduction of mandatory photographic voter ID at next month’s local elections.

Some 26,567 applications were made on April 14, the highest for a single day so far this year.

The Electoral Commission said there has been a huge training drive in order to prevent queues at polling stations.