Bolton voters urged to make sure they are election ready

Registration takes just five minutes by completing an online form at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Residents wanting to have their say in the election have a variety of options in how they vote – in person, by post, or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 19 June.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is a week later, 5pm on 26 June.

For the first time at a UK general election, voters will need to show photo ID at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence (including provisional) and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

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

Anyone without ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, either online or by submitting a paper form to the council.

Residents must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on 26 June, to be able to use it on 4 July.

More information about voter ID, including a full list of accepted forms of ID and information on what to expect at polling stations on the day, is available at bolton.gov.uk/voting.

Sue Johnson, Bolton Council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the election, said:

“It is important that everyone in Bolton who wants to have their say in this general election is able to do so.

“I urge everyone to check they are registered to vote, to ensure they have the required form of ID and to make sure they are election ready.

“This is the first general election where voter ID will be needed, so I would also ask everyone to check that friends, family, and neighbours are aware of the new requirements.

“If you are not able to vote in person on the day, be sure to apply for a postal or proxy vote before the deadlines so you don’t miss out.”