Voting by post
Changes to postal votes from October 2023
From October 2023, changes are expected to be made to postal votes, with online voting applications also expected. The rules of secrecy and who can handle postal votes are expected to in place for elections in May 2024. Under the new rules:
- you will need to renew your postal vote every 3 years by resubmitting a postal vote application
- there will be a limit on the number of postal vote packs that you can hand in at a polling station. You will be allowed to take your own, and up to five others
- political parties and campaigners will be banned from handling postal vote packs on behalf of electors
- when you apply for a postal vote you will need to provide proof of your identity. Both online and paper applications will require ID verification. This will include your National Insurance number as well as your signature and date of birth.
To vote by post is a convenient and secure way of voting. It means you do not miss out on voting if you can't get to your polling station.
Who can vote by post
You do not need to give a reason to want to vote by post, but you must be registered to vote before you can apply for a postal vote.
This request can be for a:
- maximum of 3 years
- particular election only or
- specific period only.
Apply for a postal vote
You can apply for a postal vote through the GOV.uk website.
If you can't apply online, please email ballotbox@slough.gov.uk for a paper form.
The paper form must be returned to: Electoral Services, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL.
You will need to include your signature, date of birth and your National Insurance number.
Where you can receive the postal vote
You can have the postal vote sent wherever you decide. But if you want it sent to a different address from where you're registered to vote, you must tell us the reason why you want to do this.
We can refuse to send your postal vote to the address you request if we are not satisfied with the reason given. We will tell you if this is the case.
If your postal vote does not arrive
You should receive your postal vote pack a few weeks before the election. This gives you longer to complete your ballot papers.
Phone Electoral Services on 01753 475111 or email ballotbox@slough.gov.uk if you do not get your postal vote pack 5 working days before election day.
How to complete your postal vote
You complete your ballot papers as normal.
Instructions on which envelope to use for the ballot paper(s) will be in your postal ballot pack.
You will be asked for your date of birth and signature. This is used to identify that you have filled in the ballot papers.
If there are a few of you in the household with postal votes, please make sure you complete your own form (your name will be on the paperwork).
Protect your postal vote from fraud
When voting by post, you should mark your vote on the ballot paper(s) in secret and seal the envelope yourself.
When you return your postal voting pack you will be asked for your signature and date of birth. To confirm your identity these will be checked against those you would have have already provided when you applied for a postal vote.
Your signature and date of birth are separated from your ballot paper(s) before it is looked at or counted, so giving this information will not affect the secrecy of your vote.
Deadline
Your postal vote must be received back by election day.