Voters across Tameside urged to have their say in Greater Manchester Mayoral election

On Thursday 30 July residents will have their say on who leads the city region, as they vote for the next Mayor of Greater Manchester.  

The Notice of Election for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election was published on 25 June, marking the start of the period running up to polling day. 

Polling stations across the city region, including Tameside, will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday 30 July. The count and declaration of the election result will be on Friday 31 July.

To vote in this election, residents must be on the electoral register and, to vote at a polling station, they must have an accepted form of photo ID.    

The deadline to register to vote is before midnight on Tuesday 14 July. It takes just five minutes to register to vote online - https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

There are different ways to vote in the elections: at your local polling station, by post, or by proxy (appointing someone trusted to vote on your behalf).  

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 15 July while those wanting to apply for a proxy vote have until 5pm on Wednesday 22 July.

Residents voting at their local polling station will also need to show an accepted form of Photo ID. Valid photographic ID includes a passport, driving licence, and some types of bus pass or proof of age card. It can be out of date, as long as the picture still looks like you, but it must be the original version and not a photocopy.

Voters should check they have at least one form of Photo ID on this list – https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id.

If not, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate here - https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

The deadline to apply for free photo ID is 5pm on Wednesday 22 July.

With these deadlines fast approaching, residents not already registered at their current address are being urged to make sure they are registered, while those who will be away on polling day should apply for a postal or proxy vote in good time.  

Caroline Simpson, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Returning Officer, said: "The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral election is an important opportunity for people to have their say on who makes decisions that affect them, in the places where they live.

"The most important message today is that, if you haven’t already registered to vote, you will need to do so before the deadline of 14 July.

"If you’ve recently moved house, you will need to register at your new address, as being registered for other council services, such as council tax, does not mean you are automatically registered to vote."

Residents in Greater Manchester will be voting in an election for the Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.  

The Mayor leads Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which brings together the leaders of our 10 councils so they can work together to improve life for people across the city region.   

They represent Greater Manchester at a national and international level, helping build relationships with government and attracting trade and investment. They also oversee a wide range of policy areas that affect people’s everyday lives. 

This includes transport, where the Mayor is responsible for how money is spent on infrastructure like new tram lines or roads, and planning and housing, where the Mayor can create Mayoral Development Corporations to lead regeneration in specific areas. 

The Mayor sets the budget and priorities for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and serves as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester Police, with the power to appoint the Chief Constable, set the policing budget, and hold GMP to account on behalf of the public.  

The Mayor also works with businesses to promote economic growth and oversees budgets devolved from central Government, including a £630 million integrated settlement.   

More information about the election, including information on how to register to vote, how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, and where to get help, can be found at https://www.gmelects.org.uk/.

Register to vote online at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Key dates:   

• Deadline to register to vote: by midnight on Tuesday 14 July

• Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Wednesday 15 July

• Deadline to apply for free photo ID: 5pm on Wednesday 22 July

• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on Wednesday 22 July

• Polling day 7am to 10pm: Thursday 30 July    

• Declaration of result: Friday 31 July