On Thursday 4 May, people in Barnsley will have their say at local elections on who represents them locally. 

Residents must be on the electoral register to be able to vote. With the registration deadline approaching, we’re urging those who are not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered before it is too late.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 17 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.  

This year, Barnsley residents will be voting to select: 

• Councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and will help shape the future of their local area by making plans and taking decisions 
• Parish Councillors, who make decisions on local issues affecting their parish and act as ambassadors for their community, keeping everyone aware of local needs and concerns 

Sarah Norman, Chief Executive and Returning Officer of Barnsley Council, said: “Local elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Barnsley.

“If you’ve recently turned 18 or moved home, it’s particularly important to make sure you’re correctly registered to vote before the deadline to register passes in just over a month. If you’re in doubt, you can check with us by contacting our Electoral Services by sending an email to ElectoralServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 77 30 70.” 

Those intending to vote at polling stations in May will need to show photographic ID. A list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website. Those who do not have eligible ID can apply for free voter ID.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, added: “If you’re not registered by Monday 17 April, you will not be able to vote this May. Registering to vote only takes five minutes and can be done online.  

“This year voters should also remember that they will need to bring photo ID to the polling station to be able to vote. Anyone that does not have an accepted form of ID can apply for free voter ID by Tuesday 25 April.”