How to vote

If you can't get to your polling station for whatever reason, you can apply for a postal vote but you must be registered under individual electoral registration first.

A postal vote means you can cast your vote and post it back to the council without going to a polling station on election day.

You can apply for a postal vote for one particular election, for a specific period of time or for a maximum period of up to three years.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a postal vote is online. You can now complete your application using the following link:

Apply for a postal vote

If you cannot register online, you can download a PDF application from the GOV.UK website, complete it and return it to us using the contact details below.

To register for a postal vote, you'll need

• The address where you are registered to vote
• The date of the next election or referendum (if you want a postal vote for one particular election)
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• A photograph of your handwritten signature. Please see our guidelines for creating your signature photo

The deadline for the receipt of new postal vote applications or to change or cancel an existing postal vote application for all elections is 11 working days prior to polling day.

When you will receive your postal vote

If you choose to vote by post, your postal pack containing your ballot paper will be sent to you 1 - 2 weeks before polling day.

How to fill in your postal vote

When you receive your postal pack it will include all the instructions you need on how to complete and send your postal vote.

We must receive your completed postal pack for any election or referendum by 10pm on polling day.

If you are not able to get to a post box, you can hand it in to your polling station on polling day by 10pm. Find your polling station

Top tips for using a postal vote

• Complete your postal vote in private and do not let anyone else see it as you would at a polling station
• 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 isn't possible give it to someone you know and trust to post it for you
• Check for a priority post box close to where you live. These post boxes have early and late collection times and many are emptied on Saturday and Sunday
• If anyone tries to help you against your will, or forces you to give them your postal vote, you should contact the police
• You may have heard about the requirement to take photo ID if you vote at a polling station. This does not affect postal votes

Your vote is yours alone

Other ways to apply

If you are unable to apply online and wish to request a hardcopy postal or proxy vote application form please use our online request form:

Request a paper postal vote application form

Alternatively, you can apply in person at the Electoral Services Office.