Ensure you are registered to vote in the general election

Tameside residents are encouraged to ensure they are registered to vote in the upcoming general election on 4 July 2024. 

The formal Notice of Election was published on Monday 3 June, marking the pre-election period in the run up to polling day. 

In order to vote in this election and have their say on who makes important decisions affecting them, residents must be on the electoral register and, if they will be voting in a polling station, have a valid form of Voter ID.  

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 18 June. With the deadline fast approaching, residents not already registered at their current address are urged to make sure they are registered in time. It takes just five minutes to register to vote online. 

With the general election being held in the summer, when many people will be away on holiday, residents are also being reminded they can apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote (appointing someone to vote on their behalf).The deadline to apply for a postal vote in this election is 5pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024. The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 26 June 2024.  For further information, or to make an application for a postal or a proxy vote, see https://www.gov.uk/vote-uk-election

Residents will also need to show a valid form of Voter ID if they are voting at their polling station. Valid photographic ID includes a passport, driving licence, and some types of bus pass or proof of age card. It can be out of date as long as the picture still looks like you. It must be the original version and not a photocopy. Voters should check they have at least one form of Photo ID on this list and if not, apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.  The deadline to apply for free voter ID is 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Tameside Council Returning Officer Sandra Stewart said: “The election is an important opportunity for residents to have their say on who makes decisions that affect them.

“If residents haven’t already registered to vote, I would urge them to do so before the deadline of 18 June. If you’ve recently moved house, you will need to register at your new address, as being registered for other council services, such as council tax, does not mean you are automatically registered to vote.”  

Key dates:  

• Deadline to register to vote: midnight on Tuesday 18 June 2024 
• Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Wednesday 19 June 2024  
• Deadline for to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm Wednesday 26 June 2024 
• Deadline for to apply for free photo ID: 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024  
• Polling day 7am to 10pm: Thursday 4 July 2024