Residents wishing to vote in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded to check they are on the electoral register at their current address and have photo ID they can show when they go to the polling station.

The next scheduled elections in Bath and North East Somerset are for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset on Thursday 2 May this year. The PCC is responsible for making sure that the local police in their area are meeting the needs of the community.

Residents can find out if they are registered to vote by emailing [email protected] or calling 01225 477333. If you are not registered or you have changed your name or address, you can call 01225 477333 or apply online. It only takes five minutes to complete the form at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

The Elections Act 2022 that came into effect on 4 May 2023 introduced the need for people voting in person to provide photo ID. A list of accepted forms of photo ID is available on the council website www.bathnes.gov.uk/voterid or by calling 01225 477333.

Voters without an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online via www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form. More information about photo ID can be found on the council website.

Will Godfrey, returning officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "Please make sure that you are registered to vote, especially if you have moved house recently or you have just turned 18. If in doubt, contact us on 01225 477333 or [email protected]."

Residents wanting to apply for a postal vote can now apply online. You must be registered to vote before you can apply and you will need to prove your identity as part of the application process.

The Elections Act 2022 also introduced changes to some of the rules relating to proxy voters. Voting by proxy is an easy way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station because it allows you to appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf. Under the new rules a voter can only act as a proxy for two people. Previously a person could act as a proxy for an unlimited number of close relatives and two other people.

More information about voting and elections in Bath and North East Somerset can be found on the council website.