Remember to bring your photo ID to vote

Residents in Barnsley are being reminded to take their photo ID when they go to vote on Thursday 7 May.

Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driver’s licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card; and the free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the requirements and what to expect at the polling station, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

To vote in the upcoming elections, you must be registered. The registration deadline has now closed, with around 96% of eligible voters in Barnsley registered to vote – above the national average of 85%.

Barnsley has 21 wards, each with three councillors (63 councillors in total). In May’s local elections, Barnsley will hold its first all-out election in its new cycle. This means all 63 local councillors will be up for election, with a local election taking place every four years.

Your ballot paper will list the candidates for your area. In May’s local elections, you will vote for three candidates to represent your area. You can do this by putting crosses [X] in the three boxes next to your three choices.

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said:

“Before you head to the polling station on Thursday 7 May, don’t forget to check you have the ID you need to vote. There is a wide range of accepted ID you can use so check your bags and wallets to make sure you have one ready. Without the right ID, you won’t be able to vote at the polling station.

“If you don’t already have a form of accepted ID, you can apply for the free Voter Authority Certificate online or through your local council.”

Sarah Norman OBE, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Barnsley Council, said:

“With just over a week to go, make sure you’re ready for the elections in May.

Staff at the polling station will check your ID before giving out a ballot paper. If you do forget your ID, you can return later in the day. Polling stations are open until 10pm.

“Anyone concerned about showing their face at a polling station, because they wear a face covering for example, can ask to have their ID checked in private. They won’t need to give a reason for their request or explain why they’d prefer privacy. Staff will be trained to handle requests for ID to be checked in private, discreetly and with courtesy.”

If you lose your ID, or your Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, you can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf. You can apply for an emergency proxy vote until 5pm on polling day. The person appointed as proxy must have their own acceptable photo ID.

Information about registering to vote and all your voting options in Barnsley’s upcoming local elections can be found at barnsley.gov.uk/voting.