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 your nearest polling station.

Voting in person – photo ID

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

Key dates and deadlines

The deadlines have now passed to:

  • register to vote
  • apply for or cancel a postal vote
  • apply for a proxy vote

Emergency proxy voting

You may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if something unexpected means you can’t vote in person.

An emergency proxy is someone you choose to vote on your behalf at your polling station.

You can only apply if:

  • the problem was unexpected
  • you did not know about it before the normal proxy deadline (5pm on 28 April 2026)

You can apply up to 5pm on polling day.

Valid reasons include:

  • a medical emergency
  • being called away for work at short notice
  • your photo ID being lost or stolen

How to apply

  1. Download the emergency proxy voting form from the Electoral Commission website .
  2. Fill in all sections of the form.
  3. Email the completed form to esu@manchester.gov.uk.

Important

  • You cannot apply for an emergency proxy if you already have a postal vote, even if it has been lost in the post.
  • Your proxy must vote in person at your assigned polling station.

Observing elections and referendums in Manchester

If you:

  • are an accredited observer, or
  • are 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