How you can cast your vote in this year's local election on Thursday 5 May 2022

On Thursday 5 May residents will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Rochdale Borough Council, with all 60 of the seats being contested in what is known as an 'all-out' election.

This will be the second local election to be held since the start of the pandemic and plans are already underway to help you safely cast your vote as well as reminding residents to apply for a postal vote if they prefer not to go to 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: “The all-out elections this 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. You’ll be able to vote safely in a polling station but you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”

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

Postal and proxy votes

Postal voting gives you the option of voting by post rather than visiting a polling station to cast your vote.

If you're registered to vote, you can apply to vote by post. You can apply for a postal vote anytime throughout the year but no later than 11 working days before polling day.

If you voted by post last year then you will automatically receive a postal vote again this year, unless you have changed your preference since the last election.

To apply to vote by post, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections/Pages/postal-voting.aspx

If you are registered to vote by post and want to change back to voting in person at a polling station you need to email elections@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 0300 3030 345.

A proxy vote is where you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf (proxy) either at your polling station or by post (postal proxy) if you are unable to attend a polling station on the day of the election (5 May) or complete a postal vote.

If you're registered to vote, you can apply to vote by proxy. You can apply for a proxy vote anytime throughout the year but no later than 6 working day before polling day.

To apply for a proxy vote, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections/pages/proxy-voting.aspx

If you have any questions you can also contact the elections team at Rochdale Council by emailing elections@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 0300 3030 345.