Residents in Barnsley are being urged to remember their ID when they go to vote on 2 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 drivers’ licence, including provisional; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or disabled person’s pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
At polling stations, voters will be required to present ID to be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station for anyone who wants their photo ID viewed in private.
Sarah Norman, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Barnsley Council, said: “With only one week to go, make sure you’re ready for the elections on 2 May. Check that you’ve got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you to the polling station on election day. If you need any help, you can contact the Electoral Services team by sending an email to ElectoralServices@barnsley.gov.uk or calling 01226 773 070.”
Craig Westwood, Director of Communications, at the Electoral Commission, said: “Anyone voting at a polling station in England will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Before you head to the polling station on Thursday, don’t forget to check you have the ID you need to vote.
“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 voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.
The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.
