Postal Vote FAQs

What changes are being introduced in October 2023?

On the 31 October the postal and proxy vote application process moved online, on the Government website. You can now apply online for a postal vote using the link below:

Postal Vote  www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote  

As part of the application process you will now be asked to provide your National Insurance number, or  you can provide a list of additional evidence like your passport or driving licence if necessary - they can be uploaded to your application. 

You will also be asked to upload your signature and guidance will be available to help applicants do this. However, paper applications can be requested. 

To find out more about the changes you can also contact the Elections Team here .

For what period does my postal vote last?

From the 31 October 2023 those who apply for a postal vote will see their postal vote expire on the third 31 January after their postal vote was granted.

Those who had a postal vote set up with us before the 31 October 2023  will continue to be able to vote by post for relevant polls until 31 January 2026. Anyone can reapply at anytime.

To find out more about the changes you can also contact the Elections Team here  

When can I expect to receive my postal vote for an election?

The Returning Officer (who is the person responsible for conducting the poll) issues postal votes, so you should contact the elections office at your local authority.

As a guide, they cannot be issued until all candidates are nominated (the deadline for this is usually 4pm 19 working days before the poll). Ballot papers then need to be printed and postal ballot packs produced. This means that in practice postal votes may not be issued until much closer to polling day.

To find out when your postal ballot papers will arrive contact your local elections office using the details here.

Why do I need to give my date of birth and signature to get a postal vote?

All postal and proxy voters are required to give their date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote. 

When you return your postal voting pack, your signature and date of birth are checked against those on your application to confirm your identity.

Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.

For those who are unable to sign their form, or are unable to sign it in a consistent way, special provision can be made. For more information you can contact us using the details here.

I've lost my postal ballot paper. What do I do?

You can get a replacement ballot paper in person from your Returning Officer up until 5pm on polling day.

How do I cancel an existing postal vote?

To cancel your postal vote you need to contact us on the details listed here.

I'm outside the UK on polling day - which address should I include on my postal vote application?

 There is a section on the form for your correspondence address - you can include your overseas address in this section.

Those who are permanently living / working abroad you should register as an Overseas Elector online at  www.gov.uk/registertovote 

Do I need to apply again if I have changed address?

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

You can register to vote at www.gov.uk/registertovote and there is an option to apply online for your postal vote as part of the registration process. 

Paper applications are available at the Electoral Commission website here.