Anyone who does not already have an accepted form of ID for the upcoming UK Parliament General Election is encouraged to apply now for a free voter ID.

For the first time at a general election, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper in polling stations on 4 July.

Time to apply is running out, the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driving licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person's bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

If you do not have any of the acceptable forms of photographic ID listed, you will be able to apply online (via the Government's portal), by post (Voter Authority Certificate application form) (PDF) or in person at the council's offices at The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely CB7 4EE, for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) to allow an elector to to vote in the polling station.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply.

John Hill, the Acting Returning Officer said: "It is important that residents of the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency are election ready and we would strongly advise anyone who doesn't have an accepted form of ID to apply for a free voter ID now."

If you need any help applying for free ID or want to request an application form, you can contact the electoral services team on 01353 665555.

Following the 2023 Parliamentary boundary review, the Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency covers East Cambridgeshire, plus some areas of South Cambridgeshire including the district wards of Cottenham, Milton and Waterbeach.

• the requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a requirement introduced by the UK Government's Elections Act 
• the legislation requires voters at polling stations to show an accepted form of photo ID before they receive their ballot paper. The requirement applies to UK parliamentary elections, including parliamentary by-elections, local council elections in England, and police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales. It does not apply at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to the Scottish Parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland 
• the UK Government's department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities is responsible for the voter ID policy and for the free voter ID application system. Enquiries relating to the application system or the policy itself should be directed to the Department 
• the Electoral Commission is responsible for ensuring voters are aware of the voter ID requirement, and for supporting local authorities with the process. Questions related to the public awareness campaign should be directed to the Electoral Commission 
• local authorities are responsible for implementing voter ID at the local level