Runcorn MP urges voters not to miss out over photo ID

Local elections are coming up on May 4. (PA)

Voters in Halton and Cheshire West are being urged to make sure not to lose their vote in this May's local elections when voter ID rules come into effect.

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said he is writing to constituents to make sure they have the required photo identification so they don't miss out.

He said he disagreed with the "unnecessary" voter ID reforms, which he branded a "waste" of millions of pounds.

Mr Amesbury’s constituency is covered by Cheshire West and Chester and Halton councils, which are both holding elections on May 4.

The Labour MP is writing to constituents so voters are prepared even though he strongly disagrees with a change he describes as ‘unnecessary’ and a ‘waste’ of millions of pounds.

He wrote: “The new regulations are scheduled to be implemented for local elections in May 2023, and for any elections after this date.

“The types of identification that will be permitted include: passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents, some concessionary travel passes.

“The regulations allow over 65 bus pass cards, but not student IDs.

"This is not fair to young people.”

Those without appropriate ID can apply online for a new free voter document, called a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.

The last day to apply is 5pm on Thursday, April 25.

Postal voters are not affected by this legislation and can continue to vote how they normally would.

Mr Amesbury has previously described the new measures as "blatant voter suppression" and "straight from the Donald Trump playbook".

In the letter to constituents, he said: “In my view, the introduction of voter ID is a solution in search of a problem.

"All the evidence shows voter impersonation is rare.

"So rare, in fact, that a voter is more likely to be struck by lightning over 50 times than have someone impersonate them at a polling station.”

He added: “I believe that the millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money being wasted on the unnecessary policy of voter ID would be much better spent elsewhere.

"Ministers should be focusing on dealing with the very real problems of financial fraud.”

Local elections will be taking place around the country including on May 4 in Halton, when one third of the borough's councillor roles will be voted on - meaning 18 out of 54.

Weaver Vale spans most of east Runcorn, Daresbury, Frodsham and Northwich, Cheshire.

For more information about voter ID, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

To apply for a postal vote, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote