Bolton residents are urged to get ready for the 2024 local elections, by registering to vote, applying for a postal or proxy vote if needed, and remembering their ID.
Electors will cast two votes on Thursday, May 2, one for their representative on Bolton Council and a second for the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
New rules introduced last year mean anyone voting at a polling station must now show an accepted form of photo ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, a drivers’ or provisional license, and some concessionary travel passes such as an older person’s bus pass.
Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can instead apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline to apply for this free voter ID is 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.
Anyone who is not able to attend a polling station on the day may wish to apply for a postal vote or to ask someone to vote on their behalf, known as a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote in this year’s local elections is 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.
Proxy vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must be registered to vote before midnight on Tuesday, April 16.
It is never too early to double check that you are registered, have valid ID, and have applied for a postal or proxy vote if you need one.
It only takes five minutes to register online.
Anyone applying for a postal vote, proxy vote or free voter ID should first make sure they are registered.
Sue Johnson, Bolton Council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the election, said:
“We want everyone who wishes to vote in the upcoming local elections to be able to do so.
“It is never too early to double check that you are registered, have valid ID, and have applied for a postal or proxy vote if you need one.
“More information and the relevant links to apply are available on the council website.”