When is the deadline to register to vote?

It’s just under three weeks until local elections, when residents will be able to vote for candidates to represent them on Rochdale Borough Council. Only those who have registered will be able to cast a ballot – and the deadline for registration is approaching rapidly.

Votes for local authorities are happening across England on Thursday 2 May, alongside Mayoral elections.

As a registered voter you’ll now also need to show your photo ID at the polling station.

What is the deadline to register to vote?

Residents have to until 11.59pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024 to register to vote. You’ll need to be aged 16 or over in England to register to vote (but you can’t vote until you’re 18 years old). You must also be either a British citizen, an Irish or EU citizen living in the UK, a Commonwealth citizen with permission to stay in the UK, or a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK.

Only those over the age of 18 can vote in the May elections.

It takes just five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Is there a deadline for postal votes?

For those who cannot vote on election day, it is possible to register for a postal vote or a proxy vote. You can choose whether you want to send in your ballot by secure post ahead of the election day or nominate someone to go on your behalf.

You’ll need to provide your National Insurance number or information from other identity documents, for example a passport to register for a postal vote.

To switch to a postal vote, you can sign up online by 5pm on 17 April 2024 or send a completed postal vote form to your local electoral registration office: www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections-voting/postal-voting

When should I register for a proxy vote?

To nominate someone to vote for you, you’ll need to register your choice by 5pm on 24 April 2024 – eight days before the elections.

The person you nominate has to be eligible to vote, registered and will only be able to vote for you at the polling station listed on your poll card.

In some cases, you can apply for a last-minute ‘emergency proxy vote’. For example because of a medical emergency or disability, reasons related to your job, or if the photo ID you were going to use at the polling station has been lost, stolen or damaged beyond recognition.

Registration for an emergency proxy vote is available until 5pm on the day of the election.

Register for a proxy vote or find out more here: www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections-voting/proxy-voting

Do I have to register to vote for every election?

If you are already registered to vote in your area, you won’t need to register again. If you have moved somewhere new or not registered to vote before, you’ll need to register in order to vote in the upcoming elections.

A new rule means you’ll have to reapply for postal votes every three years. Meanwhile proxy votes are only valid for one election.

Key dates:

• Deadline to register to vote: midnight on Tuesday 16 April
• Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Wednesday 17 April
• Deadline for to apply for free voter ID: 5pm on Wednesday 24 April
• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm Wednesday 24 April
• Polling day: 7am to 10pm Thursday 2 May

Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter