Time is running out for people to make sure they can have their say in Manchester’s forthcoming local elections.
The 2023 local elections on Thursday 4 May are the first to take place under new national legislation which means that anyone voting in a polling station will need to take approved photo ID. A full list of eligible photo ID can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID . Acceptable photo ID can be used even if it is out of date as long as the photo is still a good likeness of the elector.
Anyone who doesn’t have eligible photo ID will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate in order to be able to vote in a polling station. However, you will not be able to apply unless you are already on the electoral register.
Anyone who is not already on the electoral register, would need to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before midnight on Monday 17 April
The deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) certificate is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
Voters who need assistance to find out whether they need a Voter Authority Certificate, and help to apply if they do, can access support sessions at libraries across the city. Visit www.manchester.gov.uk/VoterIDsupport for more details.
Photo ID is NOT required to vote by post. The deadline to register for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April. Details on how to apply for a postal vote can be found at www.manchester.gov.uk/elections
There are 33 seats in Manchester City Council being contested in this year’s elections – one in each of the city’s 32 wards plus an additional vacancy in Ardwick following the retirement of a sitting councillor. Each ward is represented by three councillors so there are 96 councillors in total.
Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said:
“These local elections are an important democratic moment, giving people the chance to elect the councillors who represent them locally.
“It’s imperative that no one who wants to cast their vote on 4 May finds themself unable to do so.
“If you’re already registered, remember you will need eligible photo ID to vote at a polling station. If you’re not registered, or you don’t have the photo ID required, there are only a few days left to act to ensure you are able to vote."