Make your vote count: Final chance for Salfordians to register for voter ID ahead of local elections

Salfordians without valid voter ID are being urged to register for an alternative to allow them to vote in the upcoming local elections.

Voters without eligible photo ID will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) before 17:00 BST today.

The same goes for anyone wishing to vote by proxy.

Salford City Council have been appealing across social media to residents to permit as many people to head to the polls on May 4.

Don’t forget you’ll need photo ID when voting at a polling station on Thurs 4 May. If you don’t have any, you can apply for free voter ID before 25 April. Act now to make sure you don’t miss out. Visit https://t.co/Je5nFr6mH8 or call into your local gateway centre pic.twitter.com/RuYHw34HXE

— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) April 24, 2023

Valid ID includes a UK or EU passport, a driving licence or a parking Blue Badge. Expired photo ID can also be used as long as the image still resembles the holder.

Applying for a free Voter Authority Certificate can be done through the government website or the council via email or post.

Voter ID has been a matter of concern for many since its entrance into law in April 2022, growing in eminence with local elections on the near horizon.

Locals have already voiced discontent on the issue with some suggesting the new bill was brought in to benefit certain parties.

Politicians have also been taking to twitter to present their displeasure including the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

He said: “Can the Conservatives honestly hold their hands up and say they made no calculation about securing a political advantage when deciding to introduce voter ID?”

Salford Labour MP Rebecca Long Bailey also showed her opposition to the bill before it had even become law.

The Tories Voter ID plans are a solution to a non-existent problem that will cost millions of pounds every election, and will stop millions of people having their right to vote. pic.twitter.com/TBGIbDhQSt

— Rebecca Long-Bailey (@RLong_Bailey) September 7, 2021

Supporter of voter ID have said that any negative sentiments come from a place of paranoia cosidering ID is already required in many areas of life and its true purpose is to prevent voter fraud.

People without valid photo ID can apply for a VAC here.