Don’t miss out on registering to vote in May's elections

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VOTE

Time is running out for residents to secure their vote for this year's local elections and Greater Manchester Mayor election in a few weeks’ time.

On Thursday 6 May voters go to the polls to elect a councillor in each of Rochdale Borough Council's 20 wards. The borough’s councillors are responsible for making decisions on running services in their local areas. These include housing, education, transport, planning, parks, leisure, public safety, social care and waste collections. There will also be the Greater Manchester mayoral election – who will be elected to lead the 10 local authorities on issues that affect the whole region.

The deadline is fast approaching - residents not registered or who have moved recently are being asked to confirm their details online or by post before midnight on 19 April. If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action.

Earlier this month every household was sent a letter asking them to check their details and report any changes as well as register for a postal or proxy vote if they prefer.

Clare Poole, elections manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s the opportunity to have a say on who represents you on issues that affect our day to day lives, but time is running out to register. It’s easy and only takes five minutes online – just visit our website. If you have turned 18 or if you have moved home recently it’s particularly important that you act to ensure you are registered. The electoral register is also used for credit checks so if you’re not you may find it harder to get a loan, mortgage, finance agreement or even a mobile phone contract. Registering is a legal obligation but most importantly, if you aren’t registered you won’t be able to exercise your democratic right in May.”

The council are also planning the arrangements that will be in place to help keep you safe at the polling stations added Clare: “There may be the social distancing measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks but you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy if you prefer.”

To register or to find out more, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/registertovote