Polling day: The local elections happening and how you can vote

Thousands of residents are set to go to the polls today (Thursday) to cast their votes in local elections. 

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm for those who haven't already voted by post and they will be Covid-secure. Face coverings must be worn in all polling stations unless you are exempt, and people should take their own pen or pencil.

Due to restrictions, some stations may be operating on a one-in, one-out basis so voters are asked to be patient and follow any instructions on display.

People aged 18 or over can vote if they are eligible - i.e. registered at an address in the area where they want to vote, a British citizen, an Irish or EU citizen or an eligible Commonwealth citizen, or not legally excluded from voting. 

The elections will decide who runs local services - such as schools, libraries and bin collections. 

Here's what is being decided in each area and how you can vote if you haven't done so already... 

High Peak 

A total of 254 candidates are standing across 61 divisions to contest all 64 seats in the Derbyshire County Council elections, which are held every four years. 

Two county councillors will be elected for Glossop and Charlesworth, and one each in the Etherow, New Mills, Chapel and Hope Valley, Whaley Bridge, Buxton North and East, and Buxton West divisions. 

High Peak Borough Council is running the election on behalf of the county council and has organised the polling stations and the counting of the votes, with counting taking place on Friday (7 May) from 10am. 

All of the results are expected to have been declared by 4pm on Friday. 

You will be able to keep up to date with the High Peak results as they come in via our live blog and social media channels. 

Residents who have registered to vote should have received their polling cards through the door telling them where to go to vote, which in some cases may have changed from the usual venue to allow for covid-secure measures including social distancing.

People who have registered to vote but not received a polling card will still be able to vote, and people who are having to self-isolate or are displaying Covid-19 symptoms can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on Thursday 6 May.

Derbyshire County Council Managing Executive Director Emma Alexander said: “The council’s 64 democratically elected councillors are responsible for making decisions about local services on behalf of all our residents and their communities, including issues such as spending on schools and roads, caring for older people and vulnerable people, safeguarding children and waste and recycling.

“That’s why it’s so important that people use their vote and have their say in choosing the right people who will work hard on their behalf.”

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner 

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner election is also being held on 6 May, with counting to start on the afternoon of 7 May.

Four candidates are standing for the role. 

They are: Hardyal Dhindsa (Labour), Angelique Foster (Conservative), Stan Heptinstall (Liberal Democrat) and Timothy Prosser (Reform UK). 

Tameside

In Tameside, there are seven parties – fielding a total of 67 candidates – contesting seats in the borough’s 19 wards. 

A full guide to all of the candidates can be found here. 

Counting is set to start at 11am on Friday and the full council is estimated to be declared at around 4pm. 

Oldham 

In Oldham, 60 councillors will be elected in the 20 different wards throughout the borough - which are as follows: 

Alexandra, Chadderton Central, Chadderton North, Chadderton South, Coldhurst, Crompton, Failsworth East, Failsworth West, Hollinwood, Medlock Vale, Royton North, Royton South, Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South, Saddleworth West and Lees, Shaw, St James, St Marys, Waterhead, Werneth. 

To find out more, visit https://www.oldham.gov.uk/homepage/943/local_election_6_may_2021. 

Greater Manchester Mayor 

Tameside and Oldham residents will also be able to choose two from nine candidates to elect a new mayor for Greater Manchester. 

They are:

• Andy Burnham, Labour
• Laura Evans, Conservative
• Simon Lepori, Liberal Democrats
• Melanie Horrocks, Green Party
• Nick Buckley, Reform UK
• Stephen Morris, English Democrats
• Marcus Farmer, Independent
• David Sutcliffe, Independent
• Alec Marvel, Independent

The Mayor of Greater Manchester helps direct the overall strategy of the ten councils who make up the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Working with the leaders of the 10 councils including Tameside and Oldham, the Mayor oversees police and fire services and has other responsibilities in areas such as transport, housing, business, and skills.

The result is due to be announced on Saturday afternoon.