Countdown to register to vote in Gorton and Denton by-election

Constituents in Gorton and Denton are being reminded of imminent deadlines if they want to vote in the forthcoming parliamentary by-election there. 

The by-election, to elect a new MP to the constituency, will be held on Thursday 26 February.  

Gorton and Denton consists of the Manchester council area wards of Burnage, Levenshulme, Longsight, and Gorton & Abbey Hey plus the Tameside council area wards of Denton South, Denton North West and parts of Audenshaw and Denton North East.  

But anyone not already on the electoral register will be unable to vote in the by-election unless they have registered by the end of Tuesday 10 February. Anyone who has moved recently should ensure they are registered at their current address. 

Registration is a quick and easy process. If you are not already registered you can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to download a registration form. You will just need your date of birth and national insurance number.  

Anyone who is already on the electoral register at their current address with the correct details need take no further action.  

If you are registered, you can choose to vote by post or appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. 

New applications for postal votes must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 11 February. 

The deadline to appoint a proxy is 5pm on Wednesday 18 February.  

Residents in the Tameside Council areas who need to update their details (for example if they have changed surname through marriage) or simply check whether they are on the register, can contact Tameside’s Electoral Services Unit by phoning 0161 3428355 or email elections@tameside.gov.uk 

For those in the relevant parts of Manchester, call 0161 234 1212 or email ESU@manchester.gov.uk 

Polling stations will be open on the day from 7am to 10pm. Voters will need to show photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate. To find out what is accepted and apply for free voter ID by 5pm on 18 February, if you need it, go to https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id.

You are eligible to vote in the General Election if you are aged 18 or over and a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. See the Electoral Commission website https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk for details.