Poll cards have started arriving for people eligible to vote in polling stations at the Parliamentary by election in Somerton and Frome on 20 July.

Look out for yours and make a note of the polling station where you can cast your ballot.

The poll cards make it clear that voters must provide photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station.

Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, or older person’s bus pass. You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you and the name on your ID is the same name you used to register to vote.

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

Those without the necessary ID can apply for a FREE Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) online, by post or in person. The deadline for VAC applications is 5pm on 12 July.

Poll cards have also been sent to people who vote by post. You do not need Voter ID to vote by post or to nominate someone you trust to vote on your behalf using a proxy vote.

You’ll need to act quickly if you haven’t already applied for a postal vote as the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday, 5 July. Proxy vote applications close at 5pm on 12 July. More information is available here: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-post

More information on the Somerton and Frome by election including a list of polling station locations can be found on our website – Somerton and Frome by-election (somerset.gov.uk)

Help and advice is also available from the Somerset elections team on 0300 123 2224, 01749 341475 or 01749 341391.

Key dates:

• Deadline to register to vote – midnight, 4 July 2023
• Deadline for postal vote applications – 5pm, 5 July 2023
• Deadline for proxy applications – 5pm, 12 July 2023
• Deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications – 5pm, 12 July 2023
• Polling Day – Thursday 20 July 2023 • Count of votes and declarations of result – 20-21 July 2023

Key links:

• Somerset Council – Electoral Services (somerset.gov.uk)
• Register to vote – Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Electoral commission Voter ID – Voter ID | Electoral Commission