Rugby set for key election and now's the time to make sure you can vote

There has been widespread concern that the decision to bring in voter ID will affect the number of people able to vote – with claims the published list of acceptable ID favours older people.

Rugby Borough Council has shared that list of options in a card sent out ahead of the usual polling cards to highlight the election on Thursday, May 4, will be the first time the ID rules have come into effect.

But the card also explains that anyone without one of the forms of photo ID can apply to the council for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

This new measure is intended to help people likely to be caught out by the change and who cannot source one of the official options in time.

To apply for one, you can ring the council on 01788 533595, email: [email protected] or visit the council website by clicking here.

For anyone who needs to get one of these, there is a deadline – you must apply for your certificate by 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

The council website gives full details about applying for a certificate and also has more details about the voter ID, including a full guide from the Electoral Commission, including translations into various languages and an audio version.

The change to the system means you will have to present a valid form of ID at the polling station before you are given a ballot paper.

The publicity suggests 94 per cent of voters across the country already own a valid photo ID.

But concern has also been voiced the system has been introduced to tackle a problem of voter fraud that has never been a big issue in the UK – while risking making it more difficult for people to vote.

Rugby Borough Council sees a third of its seats up for election each year – with a county council election in the fourth year of the cycle – and this year it’s a borough election.

There are 42 councillors – 23 Conservative; 10 Labour and nine Liberal Democrats.