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The ward boundary changes mean there will be a by-election in Bolton, with all seats – a total of 60 – in each council ward being contested.

Residents who arrive at polling places without a photo ID are warned that they will be turned away.

It will be the first time that Bolton residents will be required to show photo identification if voting at a polling station in local elections on May 4.

People without a photo ID will be able to apply for one for free online, but the deadline is fast approaching.

The change has been introduced by the government and everyone is urged to make sure they are ready to vote by checking that they have an accepted form of identification.

Accepted forms of identification include passport, driver’s license (including provisional), and some concessional travel passes, such as the senior bus pass.

Voters will be able to use an expired ID if they are still recognizable in the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing a paper form.

The deadline to apply for a free voter ID is April 25.

More information about the changes, including what to expect at polling stations on that day, is available at bolton.gov.uk/voting.

Sue Johnson, Bolton Council Executive Director and Returning Officer for Elections, said: “It is important that anyone wanting to vote at a polling station on May 4th ensure they bring an accepted form of identification.

“Residents without one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free ID before April 25.

“You can apply online or by completing a paper application form and submitting it to our election services team.”

Anyone who wants to have a say in this May’s election must also be registered to vote by April 17.

It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Voters who want to apply for a free voter ID must first make sure they are registered to vote.