The Electoral Commission have issued a warning to residents in the Holsworthy and Torridge areas.

They’re calling on people to make sure they’re registered to vote ahead of May’s local elections.

The deadline for people to register to vote is April 17, 2023, with the Torridge District Council area one of 230 local authorities across England holding elections in May.

Areas which will be electing their representative includes Milton and Tamarside, Holsworthy, Hartland, Monkleigh and Putford, Shebbear and Langtree and Broadheath.

Devon County Council elections next take place in 2025.

The Electoral Commission are calling on people to make sure they are registered to vote and not to assume they’re registered; for example, anyone previously on the registered who has recently moved home or whose details have changed will need to register to vote again.

Furthermore, this year will see the introduction of photographic ID required in order to vote. Anyone who doesn’t have a recognised form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the Government website by 5pm on April 25. Required information comprises name, date of birth, address, national insurance number and a photograph.

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “Only those registered to vote can have their say at the May elections on issues important to their local areas. It only takes five minutes, and we encourage everyone to make sure they are correctly registered, particularly those that may have changed address since last year.”

“Those intending to vote at polling stations in May will need to show photographic ID. A list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website. Those that do not have eligible ID can apply for free voter ID before the deadline of 5pm on 25 April. This requires the same information needed to register to vote – name, date of birth, address, National Insurance number – plus a photograph.

“This year voters should also remember that they will need to bring photo ID to the polling station to be able to vote. Anyone that does not have an accepted form of ID can apply for free voter ID by 25 April.”

Accepted forms of photo ID

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

International travel

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

Driving and Parking

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

Local travel

Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom

Oyster 60+ Card funded by the Government of the United Kingdom

Freedom Pass

Scottish National Entitlement Card

60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Proof of age

Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Other government issued documents

Biometric immigration document

Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)

National identity card issued by an EEA state

Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

Voter Authority Certificate

Anonymous Elector's Document

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.