The move has been met with some serious criticism, with some saying it’s a form of voter suppression—a way to prevent groups of people less likely to have ID cards to vote. This might include younger people, people who don’t drive (driving licence), or cannot afford to travel (passport).

The move has defended government ministers calling it reasonable and proportionate.

Robert Lewis suggests that this might affect voter turn-out, he said: “People will just not bother to vote.”

Paul Connell drew a parallel to the USA, where the manipulation of electoral rules is often part of the election strategy. He said: “In the US they call it voter suppression.”

A number of other readers were keen to point out that those concerned can apply for a postal vote, which is not affected by the new voter ID requirements.

For the first time, residents in Herefordshire and England will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.

This will affect all electors who vote in person or by proxy, at the next town and county council elections on May 4.

Electors or their proxy must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to their polling station before they are given a ballot paper. The most commonly used forms of accepted ID can be found online at www.gov.uk.

Minister of state at the department for levelling up, housing, and communities, Kemi Badenoch MP has said: “Showing photographic identification is a reasonable and proportionate way to confirm that someone is who they say they are when voting.” She added that everyone who could previously vote still has the opportunity to do so.

Postal electors will not be affected and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual. Those who do not have a voter ID can apply for one at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate