With the general election set for July 4, Shepton Mallet residents are reminded to prepare the necessary photo ID to be allowed to vote.

This election marks the first time national voter ID laws will be enforced, requiring one of 20 approved forms of identification at polling stations. The deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, if needed, is 5pm today, June 26.

Eligible voters can apply for the certificate online, needing a digital photo and a National Insurance number or a document like a birth certificate for identity verification. Accepted forms of ID include passports, driving licences, various national identity and concessionary travel cards, among others. The ID must closely resemble the voter and match the name under which they are registered, with allowances for minor differences.

The introduction of voter ID aims to secure the electoral process, following observations from last year's local elections where several voters were turned away due to lack of proper ID. In Bath and North East Somerset, a significant number of voters were impacted.

Ensure you meet the ID requirements by applying for a Voter Authority Certificate if necessary at: Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.