Postal votes

Can I vote by post?

Everyone who is registered to vote may apply for a postal vote instead of voting in a polling station. 

To qualify for a postal vote you must be successfully registered under Individual Electoral Registration. If you need further information contact us before submitting an application.

You may have a postal vote:

• Permanently, for a fixed period of time or just for one election. 

How do I apply for a postal vote?

Download a Application to Vote by Post form or contact us. The form will ask for:

• Your date of birth and a sample of your signature. 

You will need to give this information again when you fill in your postal vote so that we can compare it with what’s on your postal vote application form.

What’s the last date to apply for a postal vote before an election?

You can apply up to 5.00pm, 11 working days before the election day. But we strongly advise you to apply and return your Application to Vote by Post form as early as possible. 

Postal votes - the basics

• We normally send the postal vote pack to the voter’s home address. If you want us to send it to another address, you must tell us why on the Application to Vote by Post form (or contact us if you already have a postal vote). 
• You can send in your postal vote from anywhere in the UK (or outside the UK if you are on holiday). To be counted, it needs to arrive by 10.00pm on Election Day. If your vote arrives after this time, it will not be counted.
• We send out postal vote packs to people who have applied for a postal vote about 10 days before an election. If you haven’t received your postal vote pack by four working days before the election, contact us straight away and no later than 5.00pm on the Election Day.

This is your vote – so keep it secure

• Complete your postal vote in private and do not let anyone else see it.
• Do not let anyone else vote for you.
• Do not give your ballot paper or postal pack to anyone else.
• Seal all envelopes yourself.
• Take your postal vote to the post box yourself, if this is not possible give it to someone you know and trust to post it for you. You can also deliver your postal vote to your polling station on election day.
• If anyone tries to help you against your will, or forces you to give them your postal vote, you should contact the police.
• If you have any other queries please contact Electoral Services.

Any questions?

If you have a question or comment regarding elections and voting please complete the Elections and voting form.