![picture of an elections ballot box](https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/9614dc15764a462c999ef129d122f60d.jpg?width=968&height=1452)
Don’t forget your ID
Residents are being reminded that if they are intending to vote in person in the General Election they must remember their ID.
There is still time to apply for a voter authority certificate for people without photo ID. Apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate . The deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June. This is the also the case for proxy vote applications where someone can vote on your behalf. Request this online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.
Uptake of postal votes and general registration to vote have increased rapidly locally.
Since 22 May when the parliamentary election was announced, 16,247 applications to register to vote and 4,815 applications to vote by post were received in time for the deadline. This is a 364% increase in the number of overall applications since the May council elections and a 290% increase in postal vote applications. Poll cards and postal votes packs are currently being sent out.
Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive at Dudley Council, said:
“We’ve seen a huge increase in people registering to vote and people opting for a postal vote and it’s great to see so many people interested in the democratic process.
“But remember, if you’re voting in person you need to bring your ID to the polling station or you’ll be turned away. Similarly you must return your postal vote in time for it to count. If you miss the postal vote deadline you can still take your postal vote to a polling station and hand it in there. It’s your vote, make sure you use it.”