GMCA Mayoral Elections | The Black Futures

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Eligibility

To vote in the election on Thursday 30 July 2026, you must:

be registered to vote in one of the ten Greater Manchester local authority areas: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford or Wigan
be 18 or over on Thursday 30 July 2026

Please note: British citizens living overseas are not eligible to vote in these elections.

Who can Register

You can register to vote if you are:

a UK or Irish citizen
a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK
a qualifying EU citizen living in the UK

Register to vote by Tuesday 14 July 2026.

If you're already registered to vote at your current address, you do not need to register again.

Please note that being registered for other council services, such as council tax, does not mean you are registered to vote. If you have moved since you last voted, you must register at your new address.

You can register in one of the following ways:

Online: Register at GOV.UK using your date of birth and National Insurance number.
By post: Download and complete a paper registration form. Your completed form must be received by your local Electoral Registration Office before the deadline.

If you're unsure whether you're already registered, or you need help with your application, contact your local Electoral Services team.

You can also find your local Electoral Registration Officer and Electoral Services team using the postcode checker.

Away on 30 July?

You can vote by post in the GM Mayoral Election, or appoint someone you trust to vote for you as a proxy. Find instructions on how to apply by post or proxy here

Futures Engagement

Futures Engagement is a civic participation and community empowerment programme under Black Futures CIC that strengthens Black representation, voice and leadership in public life across Greater Manchester.

Activities

1. Civic Education Workshops

Interactive sessions on rights, representation and civic responsibilities
Understanding local government structures and how decisions are made
Exploring pathways into boards, panels and civic leadership

2. Voter Registration and Awareness Drives

Community outreach at schools, faith centres and cultural events
Hands-on voter registration support and education on local elections
Campaigns to increase Black voter participation and representation

3. Community Dialogues and Forums

Safe, inclusive spaces for open conversations on issues affecting Black communities
Roundtables connecting residents with councillors, MPs and civic leaders
Co-design sessions for community-led solutions

4. Leadership and Advocacy Training

Skills development in public speaking, negotiation, and policy influence
Mentorship from experienced civic and community leaders
Opportunities to shadow decision-making processes

5. Partnership and Collaboration Projects

Joint initiatives with local councils, universities and public institutions
Projects highlighting the impact of civic engagement through storytelling, exhibitions and digital content

Outcomes

Increased awareness of civic rights, responsibilities and opportunities

Stronger connections between communities and their local authorities

Development of emerging Black civic leaders with practical advocacy skills

Higher voter registration and political participation within Black communities

More Black residents confident in contributing to public boards, panels and policy discussions

A more inclusive, equitable and representative civic landscape in Greater Manchester