Somerset voters heading for polling stations for the General Election tomorrow (4 July) are being urged to remember to bring photo ID with them.

It’s now the law to produce ID before being issued with a ballot paper – acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, older person’s concessionary travel pass, and the new free Voter Authority Certificate.

Voters must present photo ID for it to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private if they like.

If you get to a polling station and you have forgotten your ID, you can return later with it before the polls close and cast your vote.

The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.

Polling stations

You should have received your polling card. You don’t have to take it with you to the polling station, but it helps staff check your details. Details of polling stations in each constituency are available on the General Election web page.

Proxy votes

We are aware that some proxy voters are under the impression that they will receive a ‘pack’ – this is not the case. If the elector has received confirmation that their proxy vote is in place, all their proxy will need to do is present themselves at the allocated polling station, with the relevant photo ID (their own, not the person who applied for a proxy) and they will be entitled to vote on the elector’s behalf. They do not need to present a proxy poll card. There’s information on our Ways to Vote webpage.

Postal votes

We know some postal voters are concerned about the time it is taking for their vote to arrive. We have released information publicly to help postal voters understand when their pack will have been dispatched and how to apply for a replacement pack if necessary. You can check the information on the dedicated webpage.

Constituencies and candidates:

Somerset Council is responsible for seven constituencies in its administrative area: Bridgwater, Frome and East Somerset, Glastonbury and Somerton, Taunton and Wellington, Tiverton and Minehead, Wells and Mendip Hills, and Yeovil.

Details of candidates can be found on the Somerset candidates and constituencies webpage.

Facts and figures:

·       553 polling stations open tomorrow from 7am-10pm

·       Eligible electorate 516,641

·       Ballot boxes from polling stations: 556

·       505 counters and count supervisors