Voters in Swindon will need to show an approved form of ID before being allowed to vote in the upcoming general election.

People popping into polling stations on Thursday, July 4, must bring with them a passport, photographic driving licence, biometric immigration document, concessionary travel pass, or other valid form of identification.

This will be the first time where photo ID will be mandatory in order to vote at a general election. A full list of what’s considered acceptable is on Swindon Borough Council’s website.

Electors must be registered to vote by Tuesday, June 18. Anyone not already registered can apply at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Voters only need to register once unless they have changed their name, address, or nationality. They can use expired photo ID as long as it still reasonably represents the individual. The name on the ID should match the one used during voter registration. Only original documents will be accepted.

For those without accepted photo ID, a Voter Authority Certificate which will be valid for 10 years can be obtained by sending an application via www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate by 5pm on Wednesday, June 26, or contact the council for an application form by calling 01793 445 500 or visiting the Civic Offices reception in Euclid Street between 9am and 4pm on weekdays.

Voters can apply for postal voting or proxy voting online through the government’s website. Postal vote applications need to be submitted by 5pm on June 19, while the deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on June 26.

Residents will need to provide their National Insurance number or another identity document when registering for either postal or proxy voting. Proxy voters must bring their own ID when voting at a polling station.

Swindon Borough Council’s returning officer Sam Mowbray said: “We’ve got less than six weeks before Swindon residents head to the polls for the general election.

“Some voters may have already used their ID at the recent borough elections and this can be used at polling stations on July 4.

“However, we anticipate that turnout will be higher for the upcoming general election, so there may be some voters who need to make sure they are prepared by checking they have appropriate ID in order to vote.

“We want to make sure every eligible elector is registered to vote and has their photo ID ready well ahead of polling day.

“If you have family members, neighbours, or friends who may not have ID but wish to vote, please remind them to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate as soon as possible.”