Anyone wishing to vote in person at a polling station in this year’s general election will have to present one of an agreed list of types of photo identification to get their ballot paper.

If they don’t have any of those forms they can apply for a voter authority certificate, which will be provided free of charge by Swindon Borough Council – but the deadline to apply for such a certificate is 5pm on Wednesday, June 26.

The easiest and quickest way to apply is online at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate, or an application can be made between 9.30am and 4pm at the reception of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

The types of acceptable identification include passports, driving licence photocards, senior travel passes, the national proof of age cards, a blue badge issued to drivers with disabilities, and MOD defence identity cards used by members of the armed forces.

A full list of acceptable identity cards is available on swindon.gov.uk

Cards should be in the name used on the electoral register, and expired cards are acceptable, but the picture should be a good likeness of the voter.

Those going to a polling station to cast a proxy vote on behalf of someone else should present their own photo identification.

The election will be held on Thursday, July 4.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.