Voters across Greater Manchester urged to have their say in local and Mayoral elections

On Thursday 2 May residents will have their say on who leads the city-region, as they vote for the next Mayor of Greater Manchester. Local elections in all 10 council districts and a City Mayoral election in Salford are also taking place on the same day.

The Notice of Election for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election has been published today, marking the pre-election period in the run up to polling day.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 2 May. The count for the mayoral election will take place across the city-region on Saturday 4 May, with the result due to be declared on Saturday afternoon.

In order to vote in these elections and have their say on who makes important decisions affecting them, residents must be on the electoral register and, if they will be voting in a polling station, have a valid form of Voter ID.  

Eamonn Boylan, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Returning Officer, said:

“The elections taking place across Greater Manchester are an important opportunity for residents to have their say on who makes decisions that affect them, in the places where they live.

“If residents haven’t already registered to vote, I would urge them to do so before the deadline of 16 April. If you’ve recently moved house, you will need to register at your new address, as being registered for other council services, such as council tax, does not mean you are automatically registered to vote.”

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 16 April. With the deadline fast approaching, residents not already registered at their current address are urged to make sure they are registered in time.

It takes just five minutes to register to vote online.

There are different ways to vote in the elections: at the local polling station, by post or by proxy (appointing someone to vote on your behalf). The deadline to apply for a postal vote in these elections is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024. The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024.  

Residents will also need to show a valid form of Voter ID if they are voting at their polling station. Valid photographic ID includes a passport, driving licence, and some types of bus pass or proof of age card. It can be out of date as long as the picture still looks like you. It must be the original version and not a photocopy. Voters should check they have at least one form of Photo ID on this list and if not, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.  The deadline to apply for free voter ID is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. 

This year, residents across Greater Manchester will be voting in up to three elections: 

• The Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Mayor is a major figure in the political life of the city-region, with unique powers and responsibilities. This includes setting budgets and priorities for Greater Manchester’s public services including transport, housing and planning, the fire and rescue service, Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities, and acting as an ambassador for the city region. 
• Councillors. Councillors are elected to represent their local area and residents and contribute to the development of local policies in areas such as social care, housing, planning, highways, and education. 
• The Salford City Mayor. Residents in Salford will elect the City Mayor. The Mayor is Salford’s political, strategic and community leader and has overall responsibility for the delivery of all council services. 

More information about the elections taking place in Greater Manchester, including information about registering to vote and applying for a postal or proxy vote, and where to get help, can be found on GM Elects. 

The deadline for nominations for candidates is 4pm on 5 April. Everyone registered to vote in Greater Manchester will receive a candidate booklet, which includes details of the candidates standing in the Mayoral election. Further information on who is standing in the Mayoral Election will be published on GM Elects. 

Key dates:  

• Deadline to register to vote: midnight on Tuesday 16 April 2024 
• Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024  
• Deadline for to apply for free photo ID: 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024  
• Deadline for to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm Wednesday 24 April 2024 
• Polling day 7am to 10pm: Thursday 2 May 2024  

Article Published: 26/03/2024 10:53 AM