Registering to vote

Registering to vote gives you the opportunity to have your say on issues that you care about - everything from roads and recycling in your area, to education and climate change. 

If you want a say on who represents you on Manchester City Council, at the House of Commons, or at the European Parliament, get registered.  Remember, registering to vote doesn't mean you have to vote, it just means that you can vote if you want to.

Most people register between September and November every year, when we deliver a registration form to your home.  This is known as the 'annual canvass'.

However, you can also register throughout the year, as the register is updated every month between December and September.  This is useful if you move home and need to register at your new address.

Elections can be called at short notice, and if you're not registered, you won't be able to vote

A UK Parliamentary ('general') election can be called as late as 17 working days before election day, so don't wait until its too late - register today.

Across the world, people have died fighting for the right to vote

In this country, less than 100 years ago, women were not allowed to vote.  The Pankhurst family, who were key advocates for women's right to vote, came from Manchester.  'Suffragettes' like Emmeline Pankhurst even went on hunger strike, such was their determination and sense of injustice.  A protester named Emily Davison was killed when she ran out to bring down the King's horse during the 1913 Derby. 

It was not until 1928, after years of determined demonstrations from people like the Pankhursts of Manchester, that women gained the same right to vote as men.

In South Africa, black people were denied the right to vote until the end of apartheid in 1994.  To this day, many people across the world are still denied the right to vote, so make sure you take full advantage of your democratic rights.

If you're a student living away from home, you can register twice

Many students don't realise that although they are only allowed to vote once, they can register to vote at both their home and university addresses.  

This is to make sure that they get the chance to cast their vote wherever they happen to be on election day.  

It's easier than you think!

It's as simple as filling in your name, address and a few other details on the registration form. Then you just need to print the form, sign it and send it back to us.  

When we send you the annual canvass form in August, it comes with a free business reply envelope, so returning it to us doesn't cost you a penny.  However, if you need to change your details at any other time of year, you will need to print out and send us the rolling registration form.  Alternatively, you can contact us and we will send you a form in the post.

Contact the Manchester City Council Electoral Services Unit

Electoral Services Unit
Room 134
Town Hall
Manchester
M60 2LA

Tel: 0161 234 1819

esu@manchester.gov.uk