Local election: residents can select three councillors per ward for first time in almost 20 years as all 60 seats are up for election

For the first time since 2004, you can select three councillors to represent your ward on Rochdale Council because all 60 council seats are eligible for re-election – this is your chance to vote for real change, so please take it.

On Thursday 5 May residents go to the polls to have their say on who represents them on Rochdale Borough Council, with all 60 of the seats being contested.

The borough is made up of 20 wards, each represented by three councillors who serve four-year terms before standing down or seeking re-election. Typically only one third of the council's 60 seats are up for grabs each year due to the way the electoral cycle works – with no election in the fourth year. 

However, a change to the ward boundaries means every seat is up for election this year and every councillor needs the backing of voters if they want to hold on to theirs.

This means that electors will be able to vote for up to three candidates in their ward in 2022 instead of just one.

Councillors are responsible for making decisions on running local services. These include housing, education, transport, planning, parks, leisure, public safety, social care and waste collections.

Everyone registered has been sent a polling card containing details of their local polling stations and when they can vote. There are 163,619 registered voters in the borough and 43,203 postal votes have been issued.

Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms, is self-isolating, has a medical emergency or suddenly cannot go to the polling station due to work commitments has up to 5pm on polling day (Thursday 5 May) to apply for an emergency proxy vote. This allows them to nominate someone they trust to vote on their behalf.

Polling stations open from 7am until 10pm giving everyone the opportunity to take a few minutes to vote. Polling station staff will take names and addresses to check whether people are on the register before voters are given a ballot paper. Voting booths ensure votes are cast in private. Staff will be on hand at the polling stations to assist if you need any help.

Postal voters, who will have received their forms by now, should return them promptly. Those who are unable to leave their homes to post the votes by themselves, because of health or mobility problems, can call the council on 0300 303 0345 to have them collected.

To help the process run smoothly the council is asking that all postal votes are returned as soon as possible, ideally so they arrive by 4 May. However, they can be delivered in person to Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, or a polling station within the area up until 10pm on Thursday 5 May when polls close.

 

 

Clare Poole, elections manager, said: “Whether you’re voting in person or by post it’s quick and easy. Your poll card will tell you where to find your polling station. You do not need your poll card to vote. However we encourage you to bring it with you to make the process more efficient.

“Polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. Voters who have opted to vote by post must return their postal ballot pack by 10pm; they can hand it in at their polling station if they don’t have time to return it by post.

“These all-out elections this year are so 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.”

To find locations of polling stations or apply for a proxy vote visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections.

Find details of the candidates and why you should cast your votes for them here.