How to vote by post in the Blackley and Middleton South constituency
This parliamentary constituency is administered by Rochdale Borough Council. The votes are counted and the election result is declared by Manchester City Council.
When will I receive my postal vote?
You'll receive a ballot in the post around 10 days before election day. If you live outside the UK, it'll take a bit longer for it to reach you.
The ballot pack will include all the instructions about how to complete it and cast your vote.
How to apply to vote by post
You've got the option to vote by post, rather than visiting a polling station.
Who can vote by post?
Anyone who is registered to vote can apply to vote by post. If you're not registered to vote you can use the link below to register.
What you need to know about your postal vote
You can apply for a postal vote any time throughout the year or no later than 5pm, 11 working days before polling day. We strongly advise you to apply early - don't wait until an election day is set.
- Once you've received your postal vote, remember to post it back to Manchester City Council as soon as possible using the envelope provided.
- You don't need to provide photo ID to vote by post.
- If you move house, you must tell Rochdale Borough Council immediately or you may lose your postal vote.
- You will receive your ballot paper in the post. Complete and return your ballot paper, ensuring you leave enough time for Manchester City Council to receive it by 10pm on the day of the election.
- Manchester City Council must receive your postal vote by the time the polls close at 10pm on polling day for it to be counted, so please remember to post it in plenty of time. If you can't post your postal vote pack in time, contact Manchester City Council for a drop-off point as the votes are counted and the election result will be declared by them. More about postal voting on Manchester City Council’s website
- If you haven't received your postal voting pack in time to vote, you'll need to ring Rochdale Borough Council on 0300 303 0345 to report this by 5pm on polling day. We will then cancel your initial postal vote and notify Manchester City Council as they are responsible for issuing the replacement postal ballot pack. More about postal votes on Manchester City Council's website | Check which constituency you can vote in.
- If you are registered as a postal voter and wish instead to vote in person, you will need to cancel your postal vote before you can vote in person at a polling station.
- You now need to reapply for your long-term postal vote every 3 years. If you have a long-term postal vote that you applied for before 31 October 2023, this will expire on 31 January 2026.
Posting your ballot
Your ballot pack includes an addressed envelope for you to put your completed ballot in.
- You can use a different envelope if needed.
- You can put all the postal votes for your household in one envelope.
- If you forgot to put something in the envelope after you sealed it, you can open it - you must put your initials where it was opened and resealed.
- Enter your postcode to find postboxes near you using the Royal Mail website.
- If you've health or mobility problems and cannot post your vote, please contact Manchester City Council. More about postal voting on Manchester City Council’s website
Cancelling your postal vote
If you want to cancel your postal vote, please contact Rochdale Borough Council using the contact details on this page by 5pm, 11 working days before the election day - see more about cancelling a postal vote.
Handing in your postal vote in person
When you hand in your postal vote in person you will be asked to complete a form.
If you've applied to vote by post you cannot vote in person at a polling station but you can hand in your completed postal ballot pack at a polling station. Alternatively you can contact Manchester City Council for a drop-off point as the votes are counted and the election result will be declared by them. More about postal voting on Manchester City Council’s website
Receiving a postal vote for the previous occupier
If you receive a postal vote for the previous occupiers of your home, do not use it.
Please send the postal vote back to us marked "occupant no longer lives here" or bring it to Number One Riverside.
Video on how to fill out your postal voting pack
This video will show you how to fill out your postal voting pack step-by-step.