Council elections called for Thursday 7 May 2026

This year’s elections to Bury Council will take place on Thursday 7 May – and residents are reminded that they will need photo ID to vote in person.

Anyone who wishes to stand for election must obtain the relevant form from the Returning Officer at Bury Town Hall and return it by 4pm on Thursday 9 April. Contact the Returning Officer by emailing electionservices@bury.gov.uk or call 0161 253 5252.

Other important dates to remember:

• You must be on the electoral register to vote – the deadline for applying is midnight on Monday 20 April. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
• Want a postal vote? The deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
• The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

At these elections, one third of the council’s 51 seats will be contested (one in each of Bury’s 17 wards). Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on election day.

If you vote at a polling station this year, you will need to show identification which contains a photograph of you.

For further information about which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call the helpline 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have any of the photographic ID listed above, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate from the Government. To apply, go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or call the helpline 0800 328 0280. Applications must be made by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

• The Tottington by-election called following the resignation of Councillor Luis McBriar is being held on Thursday 2 April 2026. Residents in Tottington are reminded to ensure their vote counts by returning their postal votes or voting at their polling station by 10pm on 2 April.

ENDS

Press release issued: 30 March 2026.