A full list of candidates standing in Manchester’s local elections on Thursday 3 May has now been published.
Voters will be going to the polls to elect one councillor in each of Manchester City Council's 32 wards. For a full list of candidates visit www.manchester.gov.uk/elections and follow the relevant link.
There are just days left for Manchester residents to ensure they are registered if they want to vote in the city's local elections, and the referendum on how Manchester is run which takes place on the same day.
Applications must be received by Wednesday 18 April so would-be voters are being urged not to delay if they want to have their say. This is also the deadline to apply for a postal vote.
Applying to vote is quick and easy. Residents can download an application form from the Council's website at www.manchester.gov.uk/elections or ask for a form to be sent to them by emailing esu@manchester.gov.uk or by calling 0161 2341212.
The local elections take place at the same time as a referendum on how Manchester is run.
Parliament has decided that because Manchester is one of the largest cities outside London, it should have a referendum. Referendums are also being held on 3 May in Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wakefield.
Voters are being asked how they would prefer Manchester City Council is run with two options:
By a leader who is an elected councillor chosen by the other elected councillors. This is how the council is run now.
OR
By a mayor who is elected by voters. This would be a change from how the council is run now.
Whichever of the two options is chosen by the majority of voters will be the way Manchester City Council is run in the future.
Residents are being encouraged to make sure they are registered so they can use their democratic voice in both votes.
A Manchester City Council spokesman said: "If you know you're already on the electoral register there's no need to do anything. But if you're not sure and you intend to vote it pays to check. If you know you're not registered, but want to be, you should contact us as soon as possible."