Residents in the borough of Rochdale Rochdale are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote so that they can have their say on who makes important decisions affecting them.
Research shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved are less likely to be registered than others. To vote in the local elections on Thursday, 7 May 2026, voters must be registered before midnight on Monday, 20 April 2026. It only takes 5 minutes and can be done online:
Residents normally only need to register once, but will need to register again if they have changed their name, address or nationality.
The list of candidates standing in the local elections has been published:
Councillors are elected to represent their local area and its residents and contribute to the development of local policies in areas such as social care, housing, planning, highways, and education.
Residents can vote at their local polling station, by post, or by proxy (appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf). The deadline to apply for a postal vote in these elections is 5pm, Tuesday, 21 April 2026. The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Voters will need to show a valid form of ID at polling stations, such as a passport, driving licence, some types of bus pass or proof of age card, blue badge or a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
If you don't have a valid form of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for to apply for free Voter Authority Certificate is 5pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
- Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online
- Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in person at Number One Riverside between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Getting to Number One Riverside
‘make your voice heard’
Edward McCreadie, electoral services manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say about who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in the borough. Make sure you are registered to vote before the deadline.”
Niki Nixon, director of communications at the Electoral Commission added:
“It’s important that people check they’re ready to vote ahead of the upcoming local elections. All voters must be registered, and some may need to apply for a postal, proxy vote or free ID. If you’ve changed address or moved home since you last registered. Checking now helps make sure you can vote in a way that’s right for you.”
Key dates
Important dates for the local election to be held on Thursday, 7 May 2026 include:
- Deadline to register to vote: 12midnight, Monday, 20 April 2026.
- Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm, Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
- Deadline for to apply for free voter ID: 5pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
- Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm, Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
- Polling day: 7am-10pm, Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Related content
- Elections - find out more about the local elections including voter ID, registering to vote and applying for a postal or proxy vote.
- Council news from across the borough of Rochdale