Local elections will be held in Bolton on May 7 and residents across the borough are urged to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.
Twenty seats on Bolton Council are up for election this year, one in each ward with successful candidates elected to serve a four-year term.
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections must make sure they are registered to vote before midnight on Monday, April 20.
Rules introduced in 2023 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 Tuesday, April 28.
Disabled voters, including people who are blind or have low vision, can have help marking their ballot paper from either polling station staff or a companion.
Companions must be aged over 18 and can only assist a maximum of two people at the same election.
The polling station’s Presiding Officer will then complete a simple form to record that a voter has received assistance to vote, and their companion will be asked to sign it.
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 Tuesday, April 21.
Proxy vote applications must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.
Sue Johnson, Bolton Council’s Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the election, said:
“We do not want anyone to miss out on their opportunity to have their say at these local elections.
“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 all the relevant links are available on our website.”
A full list of candidates standing for election on May 7 is available on the Bolton Council website.