Tameside voters reminded to cast their vote in Greater Manchester Mayoral election

WITH one week to go until the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election, Tameside residents are being reminded of everything they need to know before polling day, including how the Supplementary Voting system works. 

Polling stations across Greater Manchester, including Tameside, will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday 30 July 2026. 

Residents across Greater Manchester will be voting in an election for the Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). 

The election will use Supplementary Voting. The Supplementary Voting system must be used for this election following recent changes in legislation. It was used at the Mayoral elections in 2017 and 2021, but not in 2024, which used first past the post.  

Using Supplementary Voting means that residents have the opportunity to choose their first and second-choice candidate. You should not vote for more than two candidates.  

Your first and second choices should be different. You must mark a first choice or your vote will not be counted. You do not have to mark a second choice.

How your vote is counted:  

If any candidate gets more than 50% of the valid first-choice votes, then they will be elected as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.  

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the contest will move to a second round between the two candidates who received the most first-choice votes.  

Any remaining candidates are eliminated, and these ballot papers are counted again.

Any valid second-choice votes cast for the two remaining candidates are then added to their first-choice totals.  

The candidate who has the highest overall total of first and second-choice votes will be declared the Mayor of Greater Manchester. 

What the Mayor does: 

The Mayor leads Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which brings together the leaders of our 10 councils so they can work together to improve life for people across the city region.  

They represent Greater Manchester at a national and international level, helping build relationships with government and attracting trade and investment. They also oversee a wide range of policy areas that affect people’s everyday lives.  

This includes transport, where the Mayor is responsible for how money is spent on infrastructure like new tram lines or roads, and planning and housing, where the Mayor can create Mayoral Development Corporations to lead regeneration in specific areas.  

The Mayor sets the budget and priorities for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and serves as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester Police, with the power to appoint the Chief Constable, set the policing budget, and hold GMP to account on behalf of the public. 

The Mayor also works with businesses to promote economic growth and oversees budgets devolved from central Government, including a £630 million integrated settlement. 

Voter ID: 

Residents voting at a polling station will need to show an accepted form of photo ID. Valid 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, but it must be the original version and not a photocopy or screenshot.  

Anyone who has not yet received their poll card can still vote, provided they are registered and attend the correct polling station with an accepted form of photo ID. 

More information about the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election, including how the Supplementary Voting system works, accepted forms of photo ID and polling stations, can be found on GM Elects. 

Key dates:

• Polling day (7am to 10pm): Thursday 30 July 2026 

• Declaration of result: Friday 31 July 2026