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Readers of your Chad have shared their thoughts on the government’s announcement that voters will need to bring photo ID to vote at forthcoming elections.

For the first time, residents in Mansfield and Ashfield will need to show photo ID to vote at this year’s local elections, which are taking place on May 4, 2023

The requirement to show photo ID at polling stations across England was passed by the UK Government’s Elections Act and comes into effect for the first time this May.

Individuals without photo ID will no longer be able to vote.

From May 4, you’ll need photo ID to vote at polling stations in local elections in England, UK Parliamentary by-elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.

The electoral commission has confirmed that identification will be needed in local elections in England, UK Parliamentary by-elections and the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s

bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters can use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Your Chad readers have shared their thoughts on the announcement.

In a comment on your Chad’s Facebook page – fb.com/mansfieldchad – Karen Clarke said: “It’s about time that proof was provided.”

Alan Hunt said he thought it was a great idea.

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Andrew Marshall, from Mansfield, said: “It won't affect my ability to vote, as I always carry photo ID.”

Daniel Bostock said: “If it makes elections safer, what’s the problem?”

Martin Farmilo said: “I have no problem with this, as long as they're prepared to provide free ID to those who don’t have any.”

Anyone without one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free ID online.

However, some readers did not agree with the changes.

Lynn Collins said: “Many senior voters may not have a photo ID. Not everyone has a bus pass.”

John Waller said: “It sounds like more control of us. I don't trust this government at all.”

Cameron Ruth said: “Any excuse to stop people voting, so they can stay in.”

Others said they have no plans to vote anyway.

Wendy Annibal, from Mansfield, said: “I won’t be voting anyway, so it makes no odds to me.”

Marc Hazard said: “Vote for who? They are all bleeding useless and self-serving.”

'It's about time proof was provided' says one Mansfield resident as government calls for voter ID -- but not everyone agrees