Polling booths in Oldham will open in just over a month’s time – and voters have been urged to ensure they are registered.

The local elections are set to take place on May 2, in which a seat will be up for grabs in each of Oldham Council’s 20 wards.

Residents will also get to have their say on who should be the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

But in order to vote, residents must be on the electoral register and have a valid form of Voter ID.

Harry Catherall, returning officer and chief executive of Oldham Council, said: “We want everyone in Oldham to be able to have their say on polling day, so it’s important that people are registered to vote and have the correct photo ID ready to take with them on May 2.

“Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes when you do it online. Alternatively, anyone without internet access can get in touch with our elections team and they will be happy to help.

“Meanwhile, if you know you’ll be unable to go a polling station on election day, you can still have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy. Don’t miss your chance to have your say.”  

Polls will open at 7am and will be welcoming voters until 10pm. Then, the count will take place at The Queen Elizabeth Hall.

A separate count for the mayor election will take place on May 4, with the result due on the same day.

Voters should ensure they have a valid form of ID when they head to the polling station. This includes a passport, driving licence, or some types of bus pass or proof of age card. Alternatively, voters can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which must be completed by April 24.

Oldham residents have until midnight on April 16 to register. The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on April 24.