Elections and Voting

How to apply for a postal vote

Postal vote applications, as well as further guidance, are available online from the Electoral Commission’s website or from GOV.uk.

• You need to prove your identity as part of the application process. Both online and paper applications require ID verification
• Your postal vote will then be sent to your specified address before the election
• You can hold a postal vote for a maximum period of three years. You will need to reapply at the end of that time

Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you must make sure you have time to receive and return your vote. If you think this may be difficult, a proxy vote - where you appoint someone to cast your vote for you - could be more suitable.

Upcoming Elections

Applications for new, amendments or cancellation of postal votes must be received before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

Electors who are already registered for a postal vote will receive their postal ballot paper approximately 10 days prior to polling day.

Please read postal voting instructions carefully and call the elections team immediately if you make a mistake. Do not destroy your papers as some mistakes can be corrected.

Post your pack without delay via Royal Mail. Postal votes must be received by 10pm on Thursday 7 May 2026 to be counted. Postal votes hand delivered and left in the Town Hall post box will be rejected.

Postal votes can be hand delivered to the Town Hall or any polling station within the electoral area but must be handed to a member of staff authorised to receive them and a form must be completed. Postal votes handed in without this form will be rejected. 

If you have not received your postal vote by Thursday 30 April 2026 please contact us for a re-issue.

To find out more about postal voting you can contact us through our online contact form or by calling 01923 278369.