Time is running out to apply for free voter ID for the forthcoming elections.

Vale of Glamorgan residents must get their applications in by 5pm on April 24.

A change in the election process now necessitates all voters to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper for the police and crime commissioner elections on May 2.

ID includes a passport, driving licence and some travel passes. But if you do not have a valid ID - expired IDs can be accepted if the individual is still recognisable - then a voter authority certificate can be applied for.

Applying for the Voter Authority Certificate can be done online at www.gov.uk, or via a paper form sent to the Electoral Registration Department at the Council's Civic Offices.

Director of electoral administration and guidance at the Electoral Commission, Jackie Killeen, said: "The availability of free ID helps ensure elections remain accessible to all eligible voters.

"For those who don’t currently have the ID they need, it’s crucial they apply before the deadline so that they can cast their vote at the polling station."

Returning officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Rob Thomas, urged residents to make sure they're election ready, information for which can be found by searching 'Voter ID' on the council website.