BOROUGH residents have been reminded that they will require picture identification if they want to vote in person at this year's local Thurrock Council elections on Thursday, 4 May.

Valid forms of Voter ID include:

• a passport
• drivers licence
• blue badge
• older person's bus pass
• or a number of other forms of Voter ID

Expired ID documents will be accepted if the photo is still a good likeness of you, however if you don't have an approved ID you'll need to apply for a free 'Voter Authority Certificate' (VAC) to take with you when you vote.

If you do not have a valid form of Voter ID or a VAC with you, you will not be able to vote at your polling station.

Voter ID is not required if you vote by post.

Visit the council website for details on voting by post this year, and how to apply online.

If you act as a proxy at a polling station you will be required to bring your own valid ID to vote on behalf of the elector.

Voting will take place in all Thurrock wards except for Orsett, South Chafford, Little Thurrock Blackshots and Tilbury St Chads.

If you have not yet registered to vote you can do so via this link.