Halton residents are being reminded to bring their photo ID to polling stations at next week's elections.

The borough goes to the polls next Thursday where residents will cast their vote in no less than three elections. The local government vote will see 18 council seats being contested, but votes will also be cast in the Liverpool City Region metro mayor elections, and for a police and crime commissioner for Cheshire.

But changes in regulations brought in by the Government last year means anyone who does not have the correct photo ID will be turned away on the day.

A passport, driving licence photocard or blue badge are all valid, as is an older person's bus pass.

People who do not have any of the right forms of ID need to apply for a voter authority certificate by 5pm today, Wednesday. This can be done online here.

Craig Westwood, director of communication, policy and research at the Electoral Commission, which oversees all elections in the UK, said: "Anyone who needs it should get their application in as soon as they can. The free ID helps ensure that everyone is able to take part in the May elections, even if they don't currently have an accepted form of photo ID.

"It doesn't take long to apply and there is information and support available from the Electoral Commission and your local authority."

Photo ID rules were brought in as part of the Elections Act 2022, with the Government claiming they are necessary to combat the risk of in-person voter fraud. The requirements were first enforced at last year's local elections in England.

An investigation by the Electoral Commission suggested at least around 14,000 people - 0.25 per cent of voters - did not vote in those elections after being unable to show an accepted form of photo ID at their polling station.

A similar study will be carried out this year, the commission has confirmed.

Mr Westwood added: "While local authorities are not legally required to collect data on voter ID at polling stations this year, we are encouraging them to continue doing so as it is important to understanding the impact of the policy.

"We will be gathering this information from authorities across England and Wales, and publishing an analysis of the implementation during the summer."