The Latest Breaking News from the Electoral Commission

Voters in England will for the first time have to produce photo I.D. in order to cast their ballot when polling stations open in local elections next week, sparking concern that some parts of the electorate will in effect be disenfranchised by the change.

Thousands will be heading to the polling station on May 4

More than 80,000 applications for photo identification have been submitted so far.

Just 4% of the numbers expected have applied for the Government's new Voter Authority Certificate, figures show

Polling stations across England are drafting in extra staff to help deal with the introduction of mandatory photographic voter ID at next month’s local elections.

Some 26,567 applications were made on April 14, the highest for a single day so far this year.

The Electoral Commission said there has been a huge training drive in order to prevent queues at polling stations.

Voters will have to show photo ID for the first time

The Tories are accused of trying to rig next month's May local elections by introducing new Voter ID requirements that will disproportionately hit younger people

THE SNP have warned the Electoral Commission of the “difficulty” in finding new auditors after the previous firm resigned.

The firm which audits the SNP‘s accounts has resigned, it has emerged.