People in North Somerset have just one week left to make sure they are registered to vote in the coming General Election on Thursday 4 July, and don’t forget to take your photo ID.

The deadline to register is midnight next Tuesday, June 18, and North Somerset Council is urging people to make sure they are registered in time – whether voting in person or using a postal vote.

Nicholas Brain, the council’s Returning Officer, said: “If you want to be able to cast your vote in the General Election on Thursday 4 July, you must be registered.

“The quickest and easiest way to do this is online at www.gov.uk/registertovote. You’ll need your National Insurance number to hand and it only takes five minutes to do.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details haven’t changed, then don’t worry as you don’t need to re-register. But if, for example, you’ve recently turned 18 or moved home, it’s important you make sure you’re registered to vote."

Once registered, you have until June 26 to apply for a proxy vote if you wish – where someone you trust is appointed to vote in your place. The proxy must also have a photo ID and be registered to vote. Applications can be made at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote.

The deadline to apply for a new postal vote or make changes to an existing registration is 5pm next Wednesday June 19. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a postal vote is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. 

North Somerset Council’s postal vote packs will be dispatched by the Royal Mail on Tuesday June 18 to voters who had registered for a postal vote by May 30. Those who registered from May 31 but before the deadline of June 26 will still be sent packs.

Registered voters who intend to vote in person at a polling station must also make sure they have an acceptable form of photo ID. These include a UK passport, driving licence, blue badge, older person’s bus pass and a disabled person’s bus pass.

If you have registered to vote but do not have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free ID called a Voter Authority Certificate, before 5pm on June 26, at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

Alternatively, North Somerset Council elections team can issue a paper application form for a Voter Authority Certificate. Contact them at 01934 634 909 or email electoral.services@n-somerset.gov.uk.