Postal voting

If you can't vote in person, one option is to cast your vote by post. It is an easy and convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station.

Apply for a postal vote

If you want to vote by post, you have to fill in an application form. You should download, print and hand-sign the application form. Then you can scan and email your application to [email protected].

On the application form you are required to provide your date of birth and your signature. These will be used to verify your ballot paper when you return it, so please ensure they are both correct before returning your application form. 

When will I receive my ballot papers?

Postal ballots can only be sent out once the deadline to become a candidate has passed and the ballot papers have subsequently been produced and printed this is usually from 5-11 days prior to the date of the election. 

Your postal vote is yours alone

When do I need to return my postal vote by?

Once you've got it, mark your vote on the ballot paper and make sure you send it back as soon possible so that it arrives by 10pm on election day. If it arrives later than this, your vote won't be counted.

If you're not able to send it back by post in advance you can hand your postal vote in at your local council on the day or you can also drop it off at any polling station in your Ward on election day.

How to vote by post

1. When you get your postal voting papers

• Put them somewhere safe
• Don't let anyone else handle them
• Make sure they are not left where someone else can pick them up

2. When you want to vote

• Complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own
• Don't let anyone else vote for you
• Don't let anyone else see your vote
• Don't give the ballot paper to anyone else 
• Put the ballot paper in the envelope and seal it up yourself
• Complete and sign the postal voting statement
• Put the postal voting statement and the envelope containing your ballot paper into the larger supplied envelope and seal it.

3. When you return your postal vote

• Take it to the post box yourself, if you can
• If you can't do that, give it to somebody you know and trust to post it for you
• Don't hand it to a candidate or party worker unless no other way is practical
• Don't leave it where someone else can pick it up

Do I need to apply again if I have changed address or changed my name?

Yes. If you change address or change your name, you will need to make a new application to vote by post or proxy - your voting preference will not be carried forward to your new address.