Manchester City Council

The Council and democracy The next election

Local elections – Thursday 7 May 2026

Local elections are taking place across Manchester on Thursday 7 May 2026.

If you are registered and eligible, you will be able to vote in one of Manchester’s 32 wards.

Candidates

View the full list of candidates standing in this election.

Where to vote

Visit wheredoivote.co.uk to find out where your nearest polling station is.

Key dates and deadlines

Please note the following important deadlines for this election:

Please note:

To request a postal proxy application form, please email esu@manchester.gov.uk.

  • Your appointed proxy must vote in person at your designated polling station.
  • If your proxy wishes to vote by post on your behalf, you must:
    • appoint your proxy by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026, and;
    • ensure your proxy’s postal proxy application form is also received by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

Voting in person – photo ID

Anyone voting in person at a polling station must show valid photo ID.

If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on GOV.UK. The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

Observing elections and referendums in Manchester

If you:

  • are an accredited observer, or
  • part of an accredited organisation, and
  • are planning to observe an election or referendum in Manchester

Find further information about the observation process and local arrangements.

Legal notices