Deadline day 'act now' plea over controversial voter ID ahead of local elections

Voters across Greater Manchester have been urged to 'act now' to make sure they will be able to cast their ballot in the upcoming local elections.

Tuesday at 5pm marks the deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate - the document voters must have if they don't have any other eligible form of identification.

Under controversial new rules, voters will need a VAC to vote at a polling station on May 4 if they don't have approved photographic ID, which includes a valid UK or EU passport, a photocard driving licence or a parking Blue Badge. Out-of-date photo ID can also be used as long as the image bears a true likeness.

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But as civic leaders in Manchester issued a deadline day plea today, the Manchester Evening News took to the streets to gauge opinion - and found fears the scheme could prove to be an 'obstacle' to democracy.

Concerns have been voiced nationally that people who forget to bring their ID with them to polling stations won't bother to go back home then return again, together with claims the scheme is stacked against young voters. Older people's bus passes are classed as valid, but younger persons' travelcards are not being accepted.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, however, insists that the vast majority of voters will already own an accepted form of identification, which includes driving licences, blue badges, NUS Totum discount cards and Freedom travel passes for older people.

The Lib Dems have suggested that 'selfish interests' of the Conservative Party, which has traditionally attracted greater support from older members of the electorate than younger voters, was behind the decision.

Those applying