The local elections are on the horizon as councils in Oxfordshire remind voters to have access to all the documents they need to vote.

Voters will need to show photo ID to take part in this year's district council and police and crime commissioner elections, which are set for May 2.

Accepted forms of ID are a UK, European Economic Area or Commonwealth passport, photo drivers’ licence, or some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass.

Expired IDs will also be accepted, provided the person is still recognisable from the photo.

The name on the ID must also match the name on the Electoral Register.

Only original documents will be accepted - scanned images or copies will not be allowed.

Residents who do not possess an acceptable form of ID still have until 5pm on April 24 to apply for a free voter authority certificate.

This certificate will act as an ID for voting at the polling station.

To get this certificate, residents can apply online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or complete a manual paper form available from the council.

Oxford Mail: West Oxfordshire District Council offices in WitneyWest Oxfordshire District Council offices in Witney (Image: Ed Halford)

The rules for handing in postal votes on the day of the election have also changed.

Electors can submit their postal votes at a polling station or the council offices, Woodgreen, but they must complete a form before they leave.

Failure to complete the form will lead to the council's returning officer rejecting the postal vote.

No more than five postal votes for each election, plus your own, can be delivered by hand.

Returning officer for West Oxfordshire District Council, Giles Hughes, said: "Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper.

"It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.

"There are only a few days left to apply for a voter authority certificate and I would encourage everyone to check they have valid ID.

"If you need any help with applying for the free ID, or want to request an application form, please contact us.

“I would also ask people to check in with elderly neighbours, friends and family to make sure they understand the new ID requirements and have ID in place.”

For further information, residents are encouraged to visit the West Oxfordshire District Council website or call 01993 861410, particularly if they are unable to access the website or apply for a voter authority certificate online.