Postal Voting
Postal voting is a convenient way to cast your vote if you're not able to attend the polling station.
You can apply to vote by post for:
- a particular election
- a set period of time
- or up to a maximum of 3 years
How to apply
Please use the link below to apply online. This is the fasted and most convenient way to apply
If you would like to apply using a paper form, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and return it to the Council.
All forms require a signature to prevent fraud.
You may be unable to sign due to a disability, illness, inability to sign in a consistent or distinctive manner or you are unable to read or write. In this case, you can download the Signature Waiver Application form below, which should accompany your application.
You must provide also your National Insurance number as part of your application.
We must have received your postal vote application at least 11 working days before an election takes place. Postal votes are usually sent out around one week before election day, though this can be as short as four working days before the election, depending on the election's timetable.
Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day.
Returning your postal vote
It is important that you complete and return your postal vote as soon as possible to ensure it arrived before the close of poll.
Royal Mail have priority post boxes which offer later/additional collection arrangements - details can be found using the link below.
When you get your postal vote:
- Mark your vote on the ballot paper
- Complete your date of birth and signature on the security statement
- Seal your ballot paper in envelope A
- Place sealed envelope A and the declaration of identity in envelope B, then seal it
- Make sure you send back your postal vote so it arrives by the close of poll on election day. If it arrives after voting closes, it will not be counted
A free post envelope is included in your postal ballot pack to return your ballot. You will need to pay the postage if sending from abroad. If it is too late to post it back, you can hand it in at a polling station in your voting area, or to the Returning Officer at our offices.
Instructions on how to vote by post will be sent with your postal vote pack.
If you do not receive your pack, or it is lost or spoilt you can contact the elections office for information using the contact form below.