MORE than 130 people were turned away from the polling stations at the last general election in Barnsley for not having the correct ID.

Since May 2023, voters have needed to show photo ID to vote in UK elections and for local elections and referendums in England.

The move has proved controversial, with some groups saying it may make voting harder for younger people and ethnic minorities, who are less likely to have a valid form of photo ID.

New figures from the Electoral Commission show that 134 people across Barnsley were initially turned away in May.

The majority were in the Barnsley North constituency where 57 people were turned away, with 18 not returning.

In Penistone and Stocksbridge 42 people were turned away and only 32 returned.

Whilst in Barnsley South 35 people were originally turned away, with nine deciding not to come back on vote.

Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said: “This was the first time all voters across the UK were required to show photographic ID at a general election, and the data shows almost everyone was able to do so successfully.

“However, our research shows that the need for ID discouraged some people from voting and we don’t want to see any voters lose their say.”