Age UK Barnsley says 'don't lose your right to vote'

Published on 13 February 2023 12:13 PM

Age UK Barnsley is urging all over 50s in the borough who normally vote in person at polling stations to make sure they have access to photographic ID ahead of the local elections on 4^th May 2023.

This May will be the first time that in-person voters will be required to show ID in order to be able to vote, following a change to the law introduced by Central Government. The requirement to show ID does not apply to postal voters this year.

If residents do not have an approved form of ID, then they are able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) from Barnsley Council. The deadline for applying for a VAC is 5pm on Tuesday 25^th April. You can apply for a VAC by visiting Barnsley Council’s website: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/voting-and-elections/voting/ or by calling 01226 773070

Commenting, Age UK Barnsley CEO Debby Bunn said:

“It is really important that older residents make sure they have ID if they vote in-person at polling stations in plenty of time for the local elections in May. Those who don’t have ID can apply for a free certificate from the council.

“Don’t lose your right to vote – make sure that you’ve got your ID sorted.”

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Notes for Editors

A full list of approved forms of ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id
Residents can apply for a postal vote by downloading an application form from the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote or contacting Barnsley Council for a paper copy on 01226 773070.
Age UK Barnsley is an independent local charity committed to supporting older people in the Barnsley area.
We are a brand partner of the national Age UK charity but are fiercely independent and focused on delivering high-quality, inclusive services for residents and communities in Barnsley.
You can find out more about the services we provide on our website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnsley/our-services/