Rochdale preparing for elections – make sure you’re ready to vote

Monday, 5 February 2024 15:50

By David Murphy

Clare Poole, elections manager at Rochdale Borough Council

On Thursday 2 May residents go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Rochdale Borough Council and as mayor of Greater Manchester.

There is also expected to be a general election later in the year, with the date yet to be announced by the Prime Minister and a by election in the Rochdale constituency on Thursday February 29 following the sad death of Sir Tony Lloyd.

While the council is busy preparing, residents eligible to vote are also being reminded that as introduced last year, photographic ID will need to be shown in order to vote at a polling station. There are a number of ways to have your say - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf - known as a proxy vote.

Clare Poole, elections manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These are opportunities to make your voice heard and have a say about who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life.”

You need to be registered to vote and the easiest way to register to vote in person, by post or by proxy is at rochdale.gov.uk/RegisterToVote

Annual notification letters have recently been sent to all households showing details of who is registered to vote at the address. Any changes can be made by following the instructions on the letter.

Claire added: “Check the details on your letter to make sure you’re registered correctly, particularly if you’ve recently moved, especially to a new-build property, or if you’re approaching your 18th birthday. Research shows movers are less likely to be registered than those who have lived at the same address for a long time.”

If you do need to register, it’s a quick and simple process. All you’ll need is your date of birth and National Insurance number.

Visit rochdale.gov.uk/elections to find out more about voting. The website is being regularly updated with new information as it becomes available. If you have any questions you can also contact the elections team by emailing elections@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 0300 3030345.

If you have a postal vote, you’ll be able to use it in the same way and photo ID won’t be required.