The polling stations are open and voting is underway in today's (Thursday) local elections.

Voters have until 10 pm tonight to place their votes in the elections and this year is different in that you need photographic ID.

In Sandbach, voters are choosing candidates for the district (Cheshire East Council) and Sandbach Town Council.

You need to show one form of photographic ID to staff at the polling station, but it needs to be the original version and not a scan, image or photocopy.

You cannot use a picture of the document on your phone. It must be the original document. If you have a form of accepted photo ID which is out of date, you can still use it if it still looks like you.

There following are acceptable ID:

• passport
• driving licence (including provisional licence)
• blue badge
• certain concessionary travel cards
• identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• biometric Immigration document
• defence identity card
• certain national identity cards