"Unlock Your Power: Register to Vote Now"

Councils keep two separate lists: the electoral register, also known as the electoral roll, and the open register (previously called the edited register). The electoral register contains the names and addresses of all eligible voters, and only those on the register can vote in elections. This register is used not only to ensure that only qualified individuals can vote but also to detect fraudulent activity, summon people for jury service, and conduct credit checks. Being on the electoral register can increase your chances of getting credit or a mortgage, as many companies use it as a reference for background checks.

To check if you're registered to vote in Barnsley, call the elections helpline on (01226) 773070.

Each year, a review of the electoral register known as the annual canvass takes place, during which the council may contact you by email, phone, post, or in-person to verify the occupants of your property. Learn more about the annual canvass by clicking here.

To register to vote for the first time or update your existing details, you'll need to add your information to the electoral register by providing your national insurance number, recent payslips, or letters concerning tax credits or benefits. If you cannot find your national insurance number, you can obtain it by visiting gov.uk.

The public can access the full electoral register, which is organized by street name, in alphabetical order by polling district. However, visitors are only allowed to view the register under supervision and cannot take any form of documentation or pictures. Instead, they may take handwritten notes.

The open register is a non-election use subset of the electoral register, which can be purchased by individuals, companies, or other organizations. Businesses and charities frequently make use of this register to verify name and address details. Everyone is included in the open register unless they opt-out by downloading and completing the open register opt-out form, emailing it to [email protected], or mailing it to Electoral Services, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG.

Opting out of the open register in no way affects your right to vote, which remains intact regardless of your open register status.