New Forest District Council and BCP Council local elections: Don’t forget your photo ID

RESIDENTS across the New Forest and Christchurch are being urged to remember to take photographic ID when they go to vote tomorrow (Thursday).

Due to a new requirement introduced by the government voters will need to show ID at polling stations before they receive their ballot paper.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport as well as a UK or EEA drivers’ licence.

Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card, are also accepted as well as the new free voter authority certificate.

Voters can use expired ID as long as they are still recognisable from the photo.

New Forest District Council’s returning officer, Kate Ryan, said: “With only a day until the local elections on 4th May check you’ve got an accepted form of ID and of course, remember to bring it with you to the polling station on election day.”

There are 26 wards in the New Forest, with 48 seats – down from 60 seats at the last elections after boundary changes were adopted in 2021.

The official count for the elections will take place on Friday. Results will be published on the A&T website.

For a full list of candidates, click here.