Voters urged to check registration ahead of Gorton and Denton by-election

Residents across Gorton and Denton are being reminded to check they are correctly registered to vote ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary by-election, with key deadlines fast approaching.

The by-election, which will elect a new Member of Parliament for the Gorton and Denton constituency, will take place on Thursday 26 February. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day.

Gorton and Denton covers a wide area, including the Manchester council wards of Burnage, Levenshulme, Longsight, and Gorton & Abbey Hey, along with the Tameside council wards of Denton South, Denton North West, and parts of Audenshaw and Denton North East.

Anyone who is not already on the electoral register will be unable to vote in the by-election unless they register by the end of Tuesday 10 February. Residents who have moved home recently are also urged to ensure they are registered at their current address, as registration does not automatically transfer.

Registering to vote is described as a quick and straightforward process. Those who are not already registered can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to complete the process. Applicants will need their date of birth and National Insurance number.

Voters who are already correctly registered at their current address do not need to take any further action.

Registered voters may also choose to vote by post or appoint someone to vote on their behalf by proxy. Applications for a new postal vote must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 11 February, while the deadline to appoint a proxy voter is 5pm on Wednesday 18 February.

Residents living in the Tameside council areas who need to update their details, for example following a change of name, or who wish to check whether they are on the electoral register, can contact Tameside Council’s Electoral Services Unit by calling 0161 342 8355 or emailing elections@tameside.gov.uk.

Those living in the relevant parts of Manchester should contact Manchester City Council Electoral Services on 0161 234 1212 or by email at ESU@manchester.gov.uk.

Voters attending polling stations will need to show photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate. Details of accepted forms of identification, along with information on applying for free voter ID, can be found on the Electoral Commission website. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate must be made by 5pm on 18 February.

To be eligible to vote in the by-election, individuals must be aged 18 or over and be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Further eligibility information is available at www.electoralcommission.org.uk.