Elections - postal voting
How we provide this service
Election postal voting is supported by Electoral Services.
Anyone can register to vote by post for a specific election, a set period of time or for all future elections. You can ask to have your postal ballot paper sent to any address in the UK or abroad.
You can apply for a postal vote up to eleven working days before an election.
Because of a change in the law, Election Registration Officers now have to keep a copy of the signature and date of birth for every person wishing to have a postal or proxy vote. These regulations have been introduced to make absent voting at elections more secure.
There are certain exemptions for those who are unable to provide a signature, for example if the applicant has a disability or is unable to read or write.
If you choose to vote by post, your ballot paper will be sent to you usually between one and two weeks before the election. When you have received your ballot paper, you will need to:
- mark your ballot paper in the normal way
- sign the Postal Vote Statement and supply your date of birth
- return both documents in the prepaid envelope. If your ballot paper has been sent abroad, you will have to pay the postage to send it back.
- Make sure your completed postal vote will arrive in plenty of time before the election. If it arrives after the election poll closes it will not be counted. It if is too late to post it back, you can hand it in to your polling station or to the Returning Officer at the Council Offices on election day.
- Your postal vote will be mixed with all the others before counting begins, so your vote will be kept secret.
If you have applied for and been sent a postal vote you cannot vote in person at a polling station.
Email: elections@sholland.gov.uk
What to do to get this service
- Fill in the Application to Vote by Post form (PDF, 10KB).
- Return it to us at any time but it must be received no later than 5pm on the 11th working day before the election.
- If possible, allow plenty of time when applying so you can receive your ballot paper and return it in good time.
You do not need to wait until an election is being held to apply.
Who can apply?
Anyone can vote by post as long as they are included in the Electoral Register.
How long will I have to wait for a response?
When we receive an application form to vote by post we will send a letter confirming that the application has been processed normally within 3 working days of receipt.
How long will the whole process take?
Postal ballot papers are usually sent out between one and two weeks before an election. Completed postal ballot papers must be returned to the Returning Officer by the close of poll on the day of the election.
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
Electoral Commission
About my vote
Application to Vote by Post form (PDF, 10KB).
Common Questions
Q. When can I apply for a Postal Vote?
A. You can apply to vote by post at any time during the year - you do not have to wait until an election is being held to apply. At the time of an election applications must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
Q. When will I receive my Postal Ballot Paper?
A. You will receive your ballot usually between one and two weeks before the election.
Q. What happens if my postal ballot paper does not arrive?
A. You can get a replacement ballot paper by applying in person to the electoral services section up until 5pm on election day.
Q. I've spoiled my ballot paper/postal voting statement. What do I do?
A. You can get a replacement up until 5pm on election day. You must pick it up in person from the electoral services section. You will also need to return your spoilt ballot paper and the other parts of the ballot pack that were sent to you.
Q. I've lost my postal ballot paper. What do I do?
A. You can get a replacement ballot paper by applying in person to the electoral services section up until 5pm on election day.
Q. If I have applied for a postal vote, can I still vote at the polling station?
A. If you have applied to vote by post, you cannot vote in person at the polling station. However, on election day you can return your postal vote to the polling station (before 10pm) or to the Council Offices if you do not want to post it or it is too late to post it. Contact electoral services to find out where your polling station is.
Printed leaflets available providing more information
"Vote by Post" leaflet and application forms published by the Electoral Commission available in English, Portuguese, Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian from our reception area.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
