Next year’s local and Greater Manchester Mayoral elections set for 6 May 2021

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VOTE

On Thursday 6 May 2021 the borough’s residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Rochdale Borough Council and as Greater Manchester Mayor.

Although the elections are five months away, the council is already making plans to help you safely cast your vote as well as reminding residents to apply for a postal vote should they prefer.  

There are a number of ways to have your say in 2021 - 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: “The elections next year are very important – they’re an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in the borough of Rochdale and Greater Manchester.

“We’re thinking about these elections now so however you choose to vote in May, you can do so safely. We’ll put any necessary arrangements in place to help keep you stay safe at the polling stations so there may be the social distancing measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, but you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, added: “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy. If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now.

“This will make sure your application is processed early and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.”

You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say in the local or mayoral elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.rochdale.gov.uk/RegisterToVote

Visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections to find out more about voting in the elections on 6 May 2021. The website will be 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.