Elections - Postal Votes

Elections - Postal Votes

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply for a postal vote. You do not need a reason to vote by post, but you must be registered on the electoral roll.

Is there a deadline in order to get a postal vote?

Yes, w e must receive completed applications at least eleven working days before an election in order for it to be effective for that election.

Where can my postal vote be sent?

A postal vote can be sent to your home address or any other address you give. Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you need to consider whether there is time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day.  

How do I cast my vote?

Your ballot paper will be sent to you between 7 and 10 days before the election.

When you receive your ballot paper, mark your vote. You must also complete a postal vote statement with your date of birth and your signature. There is no longer a requirement  to have your signature witnessed.   Return both documents in the prepaid envelope.   If you are sending from abroad, you will need to pay the postage

Make sure you send back your postal vote so it arrives by election day.   If it arrives after voting closes, it will not be counted.   If it is too late to post back, you can hand it in at your local polling station or to the returning officer at your local council on election day .

If your postal vote does not arrive or you make a mistake, you are entitled to be issued with a replacement. You can do this by visiting the Elections Office, Harrogate Borough Council, Council Offices, Crescent Gardens, Harrogate HG1 2SG before 5pm on the day of the election.   You will need to bring with you one form of photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID.

How is it counted?

The signature and date of birth on your postal vote statement will be checked against those details you  originally provided. Your vote will not be counted if any statements are found without a date of birth or with a differing signature. Your postal ballot paper will be mixed with all the others before counting begins, so your vote will be kept secret.

What do I do if I can no longer make a signature?

If you are unable to make a signature due to ill health or disability you can still vote by post.  You need to apply on a special application from called a Postal vote waiver.

What do I do if I already have a postal vote but my signature has changed because I have got married or I have changed my name through deed poll?

You will need to complete another postal vote application.  This is so that at an election the signature you supply with your ballot paper will always match the signature provided on your application.  If the signatures do not match your vote will not be counted.