Having YOUR say - voters must be registered ahead of May 6 elections

To have your voice heard in the local elections on May 6, you must be registered to vote.

On Thursday, May 6, residents in Oldham will have their say on who represents them at the local and Greater Manchester mayoral elections.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register.

With the deadline to register to vote fast approaching, Oldham Council is urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, April 19.

It takes just five minutes to apply online at: gov.uk/register-to-vote.

This year residents in Oldham will be selecting:

Councillors, who represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing

A combined authority mayor, who is elected to lead a group of councils working together on issues that affect the whole area, such as transport and housing

Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE, Chief Executive of Oldham Council and Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections.

"They are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Oldham.

"If you’re not registered by April 19, you won’t be able to vote.”

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission, said: “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote.

"It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at: www.gov.uk/registertovote

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action.”

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 20, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on April 27.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, voters can visit: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter

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