Residents in Sandwell are being reminded to take their photo ID and vote for three when they go to vote on Thursday 7 May.
This year’s Local Elections are all-out elections following changes to Sandwell’s ward boundaries - meaning all 72 seats on Sandwell Council are up for election.
Each of Sandwell’s 24 wards has three councillors, meaning electors can vote for up to three candidates.
Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
- A photo driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
- A Blue Badge
- Older Person’s Bus Pass*
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass*
- Freedom Pass
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
- And some other forms of photographic identification.
*Please check carefully if your bus pass is acceptable before using it as photo ID. A young person's bus pass is not considered accepted photo ID. Bank cards are also not accepted forms of ID.
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the requirement and what to expect at the polling station, is available on the elections section of our website.
Shokat Lal, Returning Officer at Sandwell Council, said:
“With less than a week to go, make sure you’re ready for the elections on 7 May.
“Staff at the polling station will check your ID before giving out a ballot paper. If you do forget your ID, you can return later in the day, polling stations are open until 10pm.
“At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available for anyone who would prefer their photo ID be viewed in private.
“Anyone concerned about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won’t need to give a reason for their request or explain why they’d prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy.”
Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:
“Before you head to the polling station on Thursday, don’t forget to check you have the ID you need to vote. There is a wide range of accepted ID you can use so check your bags and wallets to make sure you have one ready. Without the right ID, you won’t be able to vote at the polling station.”
If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy must have their own acceptable photo ID.