Voters urged to register to vote before it’s too late

With only two weeks to go until the voter registration deadline for local elections on Thursday 7 May, anyone who wants to vote must make sure they are registered in time.  

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April. Voters can apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes. Research shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved, are less likely to be registered than others.  

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. 

Voters going to a polling station will need to show photo ID. Accepted forms of ID include a passport or driving licence. You find a full list of accepted forms of ID on the Electoral Commission website. Most people already have valid photo ID and won’t need to take any action. If you do not have one of the accepted types of ID, you can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing and submitting a paper form to your local authority. 

Sarah Norman, Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer for Barnsley Council, said: “Don’t lose your chance to have your say at elections in May. Local elections are an important opportunity to have your say on who represents you and makes decisions about issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Barnsley. 

“If you’re in doubt about whether you need to register to vote or have questions about how to apply for a postal vote, applying for a proxy vote where someone you trust votes on your behalf, or free ID, you can contact our Electoral Services by emailing ElectoralServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 773 070.” 

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID.  

“If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered, it takes just five minutes to update your details online. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you. 

“Voters will also need to show photo ID at polling stations this May. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID can apply for free ID online or by submitting a paper form to their local council.” 

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