Get ready for local elections

The formal Notice of Election for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election and the Local Elections for Oldham Council will be published today. This marks the pre-election period leading up to polling day.  So now is the time for residents to register to vote and have their Voter ID ready. 

Voters in Oldham are urged to have their say in local elections. One seat will be contested in each of Oldham Council’s 20 wards, while the Greater Manchester Mayoral election will also be held on the same day.  

When residents vote, they elect a ward councillor who represents their area. Local councillors also oversee the council's work and set its strategies and priorities. 

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, May 2, followed by the local election count that will take place at The Queen Elizabeth Hall. The count for the mayoral election will take place across the city-region on Saturday, May 4, 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 are voting in a polling station, have a valid form of Voter ID.   

Harry Catherall, Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: “We want everyone in Oldham to be able to have their say on polling day, so it’s important that everyone is registered to vote and has the correct photo ID ready to take with them on Thursday, May 2. 

“Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes when you do it online. Alternatively, anyone without internet access can get in touch with our Elections team and they will be happy to help.  

“Meanwhile, if you know you’ll be unable to go to a polling station on election day, you can still have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy. Don’t miss your chance to have your say.”  

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday, April 16. 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. Alternatively, residents without internet access can contact Oldham Council’s election team on 0161 770 4718. 

• How to vote: 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.