Rochdale voters urged to get ready ahead of May elections

Residents are being urged to make sure they’re ready ahead of May’s council elections.

For the first time voters will be required to show photographic ID to vote at a polling station and can apply for free a ID now if they need it.

Everyone is urged to make sure they are ready by checking they have an accepted form of ID - passport, driver’s licence, blue badge and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass.

You can use expired ID if you’re still recognisable from the photo.

So far over 150 residents have applied for free voter ID (the voter authority certificate) and council elections manager Clare Poole said she is expecting this to significantly increase in the coming weeks.

“Tuesday 25 April is the deadline to apply for photo ID but we’re asking anyone who doesn’t have photo ID to apply in good time and not risk losing their vote in May,” said Clare.

“If you’re voting in a polling station it’s important to bring an accepted form of ID otherwise you won’t be issued with a ballot paper.

“Alternatively, you can apply to vote by post, where photo ID isn’t required, but you’ll need to apply for a postal vote by 18 April if you don’t already have one.

“And please let us know if you intend to visit a polling station and have a specific accessibility requirement so we can ensure your needs are met.”

Households are being sent a letter this month informing them about the changes to the local elections and how to apply for a postal vote.

If you intend to apply for a postal vote, you will not be affected by the changes and additional ID won’t be required.

Key dates to remember:

• Deadline to register to vote, Monday 17 April 2023
• Deadline to apply or change a postal vote, 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023
• Deadline to apply for a free photo ID (Voter Authority Certificate), 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023
• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote, 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023

Clare added: “Local elections are a chance to have your say on who represents you on the council and the power of democracy shouldn’t be underestimated.

“We’re doing all we can to encourage residents to vote, working to ensure people are aware of the changes, understand which forms of ID are accepted and for those without, how to apply for free voter ID.

“We’re providing support in person too as we appreciate that not everyone will be able to apply online.  So if you need any help with applying visit rochdale.gov.uk/elections, phone us on 0300 3030345 or call in and see us at Number One Riverside in Rochdale.”

Contact the Electoral Commission if you’ve any questions about photo ID. Phone 0800 328 0280 or visit electoralcommission.org.uk/VoterID

You need to be registered to vote in order to apply for free ID – register online at rochdale.gov.uk/RegisterToVote

Visit rochdale.gov.uk/elections to find out more about voting in the local elections, postal voting and everything else you need to know. You can also email elections@rochdale.gov.uk.