Greater Manchester Mayoral Election countdown commences

Mayoral Election: Voter will go to the polls on Thursday 4 May

People in the borough of Rochdale are being encouraged to make sure they are registered to vote as the official countdown to the election to choose the first ever Greater Manchester Mayor has begun.

The formal notice of election has been published for the historic vote to choose who fills the post, created as part of the region's pioneering devolution deals.

Voters across Greater Manchester will go to the polls on Thursday 4 May 2017, with the count and result declaration taking place on Friday 5 May 2017.

Eamonn Boylan, Combined Authority Returning Officer for Greater Manchester, said: "The Mayor of Greater Manchester will be a significant figure in the political life of the region.

"People will be hearing a lot more about the mayoral contest in the weeks ahead. It's essential that no one who wants to have a say in choosing who is voted into office misses out because they are not registered."

To be able to vote, people will need to be on the electoral register by Thursday 13 April 2017.

If you are already on the electoral register at your current address, you don't need to take any further action to ensure you can have your say, but if you are not registered, and want to take part in the vote, you are encouraged not to put off registering.

Registration is a quick and easy process, just download a registration form. You will just need your date of birth and national insurance number. If you need to update your details (for example if you have moved house, or changed surname through marriage) you should contact your local council.

Details of all confirmed candidates for the mayoral election will be published on Wednesday 5 April.