Voting by post

Applying for a postal vote

There is now an Online Absent Vote Application system which is the quickest way to apply for your postal vote. If you would like to vote by post, you can now apply online at GOV.UK. As part of the measures introduced by the Elections Act 2022 you will now need to provide:

• Your date of birth
  
• A copy of your signature
  
• Your National Insurance Number
  
• Providing your signature
  

When you apply online you will need to upload a clear version of your signature. If you are taking a photo, please ensure:

• The image of your signature is clear and in black ink
  
• There are no shadows over the signature
  
• Your signature is on plain white paper

If you cannot provide a signature, we may grant you a waiver, which will mean that you will not be required to provide a signature. You may be eligible if you are:

• Unable to sign in a consistent or distinctive way because of any disability
  
• Unable to read or write
  
• Your date of birth and National Insurance number will still be required.

It is illegal to sign the application on behalf of anyone else. Email electons@shropshire.gov.uk  for further information about applying for a signature waiver.

Providing your National Insurance Number

Your details will need to be verified against government records. This is an anti-fraud measure to protect the integrity of the postal voting system. Applications to vote by post will be rejected where a National Insurance Number is not provided.

You can find your National Insurance Number on your NI card, employee payslip or correspondence from HMRC e.g. letters about tax, pensions or benefits. 

Evidence for postal vote applications without a National Insurance Number

In some cases, we are unable to process your application to vote by post because we have not been able to confirm your identity, which we are required to do by law. If this happens, we need you to provide documentary evidence. Until this evidence is received, we are unable to process your request for a postal vote. Please email elections@shropshire.gov.uk for a list of requirements before you apply.

Request a paper application to vote by post

If you are unable to apply online, you can download an application form from GOV.UK.

If you do not have a printer you can contact us so we can send you a paper application, email elections@shropshire.gov.uk  to request a paper application form. You will need to send us your full name and address.

Receiving your postal vote

If you are registered to vote by post, you cannot vote in person at the polling station unless you have cancelled your registration in writing in advance. Polling station staff will not issue you with a ballot paper under any circumstances

Once you have registered to vote by post, your postal vote pack will be delivered to the address specified on your application. You should receive your postal vote pack around a week before election day. Keep it safe and don't allow others to handle it.

The postal voting pack will contain a postal voting statement and relevant ballot paper(s).

Cast your vote

When you're ready to cast your vote, you should:

• Mark your vote on your ballot paper in secret
  
• Fill in and sign the postal voting statement
  
• Put the ballot and statement in the envelope provided
  
• Seal the envelope yourself
  
• To ensure your vote is counted:
• Write your signature carefully inside the box. This must match the signature on your postal vote application form
  
• Write your date of birth where indicated.
  
• Your date of birth and signature provided on your application to vote by post will be checked against your completed postal vote statement to keep your vote secure.  

The statement will need to be completed with your date of birth and signature unless a signature waiver has been granted by the Electoral Registration Officer. It is illegal to sign a postal voting statement on behalf of anyone else.

If you do not follow the above steps when completing your postal vote statement, your postal vote may be rejected and not counted.

Watch a quick guide to casting your vote by post.

Lost or spoiled ballot paper

If you have lost or spoilt your ballot paper, you can get a replacement up to 5pm on the day of an election. You must collect it in person.

If you spoiled your ballot paper, bring the spoiled paper, and rest of the ballot pack that was sent to you.

Posting your vote

Post the envelope yourself or ask someone you trust to post it for you. Don't leave it where someone could pick it up.

All postal ballot packs must be received by 10pm on polling day to be included in the count. Your complete postal ballot pack (ballot paper and accompanying postal voting statement) can be returned in one of the following ways:

• Post it using the pre-paid envelope provided 
  
• Deliver it to a polling station in your ward on polling day (between 7am and 10pm)
  

Please contact the police if anyone tries to help you against your will or insists that you hand them your envelope.

Cancelling your postal vote

To cancel your postal vote you must contact Electoral Services by:

Emailing electons@shropshire.gov.uk ensuring that you include your signature and date of birth

The deadline to receive a written cancellation of postal voting arrangement before an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day. This is also the deadline to make changes to an existing postal vote including changing your postal vote to a proxy vote.

Renewing your postal vote

The law has changed for how long you can have a permanent postal vote for. The maximum time you can have a postal vote is three years - if you have a permanent postal vote we will write to you when it is time for you to reapply.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding completing the postal vote application form or voting by post or by proxy, please get in touch with us by email elections@shropshire.gov.uk or call us on 0345 678 9015.