Voters are confused over new ID rules just days before they can apply for a certificate to take part in local government elections, researchers have warned.
The elections on May 4 it will be the first time showing photo ID at polling stations will be compulsory.
Research by Ipsos published by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) has found 85% of people registered to vote are likely to bring the correct form of photo ID.
These include a passport, driving licence, a blue badge parking permit and some kinds of bus pass.
But a third of adults in England wrongly think a student card or their poll card will be accepted, rising to 42% of 18-34 year olds and half of ethnic minorities.
Nearly a quarter incorrectly think a council tax bill will be accepted and more than a third said they had not heard enough about new voter ID requirements.
People can be given a ‘voter authority certificate’ if they do not have one of the acceptable forms of ID, but they must apply by 5pm on 25 April.
LGiU chief executive Jonathan Carr-West said it was essential that people have the correct forms of ID so that they can ‘harness the power of their vote.’
Ipsos research director Keiran Pedley said: ‘With polling day around the corner, there is still clearly some confusion about which forms of ID will be accepted to allow people to vote.
‘Just over one in 10 say they are most likely to produce ID that is ineligible at the polling station, although it should be stressed that this does not mean individuals will have no valid ID on them, so the potential impact on people’s ability to vote is as yet unclear.’
