How to vote

Where electors have a postal vote in place, we'll send you a postal poll card shortly before the election. This will tell you when your postal ballot papers are likely to arrive and/or what to do in the unlikely event that you don't receive them.

Anyone can apply to have their ballot papers sent to them by post rather than visiting a polling station. To do this you will need to complete a postal vote application form. You can choose to vote by post:

• until further notice

• for an election held on a particular date

• for all future elections until a certain specified date

We must receive your completed postal vote application form by a specific date during an election timetable to put it in place. This date is no later than 11 working days before polling day. You can always find the exact date on the relevant web page for the election taking place.

Application form to vote by post

A blank copy of the application form to vote by post is available to download:
  

Apply to vote by post

To put a postal vote in place, complete the form and return to:

Castle House
Barracks Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
ST5 1BL

What happens next?

Once received, we will process the application and issue a confirmation letter.

We aim to send out ballot papers by first class post approximately two weeks before polling day. If your pack doesn't arrive, you can apply for a new one, but only between five working days before polling day and 5:00 p.m. on the day of poll.

Permanent postal vote applications

Permanent postal vote applications ('until further notice') will remain in place unless:

• the elector cancels their postal vote in writing. If you are cancelling during an election timetable because you wish to vote at a polling station, you will need to make sure we receive your cancellation 11 working days prior to the poll

• the elector fails to supply a refresh on their signature. A signature refresh takes place every five years - we'll contact you about this when the time comes

If you have a disability

If you have a disability preventing you from signing your postal vote application form, we can waive the need for you to provide a signature. We may need somebody to verify this for you. Contact us for the appropriate application form if you'd like to apply for a signature waiver.

Further information

Further information on how to complete an application is available on the Electoral Commission website.