Residents in North Lancashire have been informed of a law change meaning they must bring ID when voting in elections.
Lancaster City Council has advised that voters will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations, in a national law change coming into effect in May.
An Electoral Reform Society spokesperson said Voter ID is "the biggest change to how we vote in a generation".
"The Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station," said a post on Lancaster City Council's Facebook page.
"This new requirement will apply for the first time at the local elections on 4th May."
The Electoral Commission, the independent body which oversees elections, said Voter ID will apply to:
- Local elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections
- UK parliamentary by-elections
- Recall petitions
From October 2023 the new law will also apply to UK General Elections.
The Electoral Commission said that people who do not have accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the local elections in England is 5pm on Tuesday April 25.
You need to be registered to vote before you apply for a certificate.
When you register to vote, you’ll be asked whether you have photo ID or if you want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
You can apply for a certificate either through the post or online here
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact your local council or call the Electoral Commission's helpline on 0800 328 0280.
The controversial legislation made its way through parliament last year, with opposition parties arguing it risked disenfranchising those without ID - who are often from harder to reach communities - and adding unnecessary barriers to democracy.
The Electoral Commission also warned ministers that bringing in the scheme by 2023 was neither "secure" nor "workable", according to a Freedom of Information request made by the Open Democracy website.
A government spokesperson said: "We cannot be complacent when it comes to ensuring our democracy remains secure.
"Everyone eligible to vote will have the opportunity to do so and 98 per cent of electors already have an accepted form of identification.
"Photo identification has been used in Northern Ireland elections since 2003 and we're working closely with the sector to support the rollout and funding the necessary equipment and staffing."
Earth tremor hits Silverdale
Lancaster Jazz Festival will not happen in 2026
Beyond Radio to broadcast live on Eric Morecambe's centenary
Family announce closure of Morecambe hobby shop after 30 years
New bench in Lancaster offers Hope to people in Mental Health Awareness Week
Young Morecambe creators prepare to show off Eden Project garden at Chelsea Flower Show
No changes to services at Lancaster day centre ‘at this stage’, say County Council
Crime Commissioner opens fund using seized criminal cash
Eric Morecambe centenary: Programme of events
Firefighters called to garage fire in Lancaster
Carnforth mum fulfills lifelong dream to publish book she wrote for her own children
New fund opens to support festivals and creative projects in Lancaster district
Morecambe man jailed for possessing thousands of indecent images on mobile
Filming set to start on new series of Morecambe-based TV drama The Bay
TV family's firm becomes official pie suppliers to Morecambe Football Club
Morecambe MP calls on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to step down
Lancaster hospital bosses take extra measures to cope with pressures on services
Future of Lancaster restaurant uncertain as owners announce closure plans
New taxi booking office gets green light to open in Morecambe
Up to 90 new homes near Bay Gateway get thumbs up from council
