Mayoral election chiefs issue last-minute appeal for voters in London to turn up with photo ID for May 2 polls

Election chiefs issued a last-minute appeal for voters in London and other regions to turn up with photo ID for the May 2 polls.

The Electoral Commission stressed that if people fail to do so they will not be able to take part in the local, mayoral and police commissioner elections.

It sought to get this message across particularly in the capital, Birmingham and Wales where it is the first elections where photo ID, introduced last year, will be required.

In London, Sadiq Khan and Susan Hall are battling it out in the race for City Hall, with the latest poll giving him a ten-point lead.

Craig Westwood, director of communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “Everyone voting at a polling station in England and Wales will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.

“Before you head to the polling station, don’t forget to check to make sure you have the ID you need to vote.

“Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. If you don’t remember your ID when you arrive at a polling station, you can return with it later in the day.”

Accepted forms of ID include:

* A UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport

* A UK or EEA drivers’ licence

* Some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card

* The free Voter Authority Certificate if already obtained.

But ministers have faced criticism over the new requirement, with accusations that it discriminates against younger people who are more likely to vote Labour, as some forms of ID such as the Oyster 18+ card are not accepted.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

The election watchdog stressed that voters will be required to present ID which will be checked by polling station staff.

A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private.

Anyone arriving at the polling station without a form of accepted ID will be unable to vote, it added.