Tameside voters urged to have say in elections

VOTERS in Tameside are being urged to have their say in the forthcoming local and Greater Manchester mayoral elections. 

Councillors are elected to represent their local area and residents, as well as contribute to the development of local policies in areas such as social care, housing, planning, highways and education.

The mayor sets 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.

The pre-election period has begun ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 2 – when polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

The local election count in Tameside will take place overnight in Dukinfield Town Hall.

The count for the mayoral election will happen across the city-region on Saturday, May 4, with the result due to be declared on Saturday afternoon.

The deadline for registering to vote at your current address is midnight on Tuesday, April 16, which can be done online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The deadline to apply for a postal vote in these elections is 5pm on Wednesday, April 17, while you have until 5pm on Wednesday, April 24, to apply for a proxy vote – which is appointing someone to vote on your behalf.

More information about applying for postal or proxy votes can be found at https://www.gov.uk/vote-uk-election

Residents are being reminded that they must be on the electoral register in order to vote and, if voting in a polling station, they will need a valid form of voter ID.

This 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 It can be out of date as long as the picture still looks like you but must be the original version.

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, April 24.