olls have opened throughout England for native elections - with obligatory picture identification required for the primary time.

The much-criticised change was piloted regionally earlier than the nationwide roll-out for Thursday’s elections.

Those turning up at polling stations will likely be required to point out a type of picture identification, similar to a passport, driving licence or blue badge.

Other types of identification that will likely be accepted embody biometric residence permits, defence identification playing cards, and nationwide identification playing cards issued by the European Union, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Critics of the transfer argue it might deter younger individuals and ethnic minorities from voting.

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There have been questions raised about why bus and journey passes for older and disabled persons are being accepted as picture IDs, however that younger individuals’s journey playing cards is not going to be permitted.

Professor Sir John Curtice, a polling skilled, instructed the BBC there was “perhaps… a little bit of a partisan shadow about the way in which it has been implemented”.

The coverage is opposed by Labour, with the social gathering encouraging voters to register for a postal vote which isn't topic to the identical voter ID rules, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Ministers have argued the change is required to scale back electoral fraud.

The voter ID guidelines apply to England as of Thursday and can come into pressure for UK normal elections from October.

Voters in Northern Ireland are already required to current picture ID at elections.

Craig Westwood, director of communications on the fee, mentioned: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England 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 your bag, wallet, or pocket 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.”

More than 8,000 council seats in England are up for grabs on Thursday throughout 230 native authorities, starting from small rural areas to a number of the largest cities and cities.

Polls are additionally happening to decide on mayors in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.