Why vote by post?
More and more Conservative supporters are choosing to vote by post because it is an easy and convenient way of voting if you are unable to get to the polling station to vote in person.
You never know what will come up on polling day. Whatever the weather, whatever else you’re doing, voting by post means you won’t need to make a special trip to the polling station and you’ll never lose your chance to vote if something comes up.
Who can apply for a postal vote?
Any registered voter can apply for a postal vote. You do not need to give a reason.
How do I apply?
You will need to complete an application form which will be used by your local council to process your application. There is a form at the bottom of this page which you can download, print off and return to the electoral registration office at the Council House. You can also download the form online at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, the Electoral Commission's offical website.
Is there a deadline?
Your application form must be received by the council no later than 11 working days before polling day for your application to be successful. Any applications received by the council after this time will not be granted a postal vote.
Where can I get my postal vote sent?
A postal vote can be sent to your home address or to any other address that you give. 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 polling day.
When will I receive my ballot paper?
Postal votes are usually sent out about 10 days before polling day. Once you've got it, mark your vote on the ballot paper and make sure you send it back so that it arrives by close of poll. If it arrives later than this your vote won't be counted.
If I have a postal vote can I still vote in person?
You can only do this if you take your completed postal vote sealed in the envelope, together with your declaration of identity to ANY polling station in your local council area before 10pm on polling day.
Can someone vote on my behalf?
If you have a particular reason i.e; you are blind or disabled, or if you are away from home during an election and will be leaving prior to postal votes being issued, you can apply for someone to vote for you, which is known as a Proxy Vote.
To appoint someone to vote on your behalf, please download the Proxy Vote application form at the bottom of this page, then simply print off the form, fill it in and return by post to the electoral registration office at the Council House.