Voting by Post
Voting by Post
Anyone whose name is on the electoral register but who does not
want to vote in person at the polling station - whether you are
unable to get there or simply prefer not to do so - can now apply
for a postal vote.
You can apply for a postal vote in respect of elections to be
held on a certain date (for example, if you will be away on
holiday) or ask for an automatic postal vote on a permanent basis
or for a given period.
How to apply
Download and print an application
form.
A separate application form is required for each person. Because
the application is a legal document it must be signed by the person
concerned and then sent back to the Council at the address stated
below. Applications cannot be submitted electronically.
If you are unable to download or print the form please contact
Customer Services - and we will send a
form to you in the post. Please don't forget to give your full name
and address and state how many forms you require.
If you are registered to vote within the Malvern Hills District
then completed applications should be returned to:
Electoral Services
Malvern Hills District Council
Council House
Avenue Road
Malvern
Worcs. WR14 3AF
(If the address where you are registered to vote is not within
the Malvern Hills District then the completed form should be
returned to the local council for the appropriate area. To find out
the address and contact details of Councils other than Malvern
Hills navigate to the organisational listing of UK public sector
bodies located at www.open.gov.uk/index/orgindex.htm)
Procedure for postal voting
You will usually be sent a letter of confirmation once we have
received and accepted your application for a postal vote. You will
be sent a ballot paper approximately one week (but there may not be
time for this is you apply close to the election) before the date
of the election. If you have not received your ballot paper four
days before the election you should contact the Electoral Services
Section at the above address and they may be able to issue you a
replacement.
You can ask for the ballot paper to be sent to you at any
address you specify (including an address abroad) but it is up to
you to make sure that it is returned in time to be counted. No
responsibility is accepted for votes delayed or lost in the
post.
You should mark the ballot paper and complete the Witness
Statement that accompanies it. Both documents should then be
returned in the envelope provided and must be received by the
Returning Officer before the close of poll on the day of the
election.
If you cannot post the documents back in time for them to be
received before the close of poll you may deliver them to the
Presiding Officer at any polling station within the same electoral
area on the day of the election.
If it is not practical for you to use a postal vote (e.g. if you
will be away when they will be sent out) you may qualify to appoint
a proxy to vote on your behalf.
Cancelling a postal vote
If you have applied for and been granted a postal vote but you
now decide that you want to go to the polling station and vote in
person, you must tell us is writing. The letter must be signed by
you. We cannot accept requests to cancel a postal vote either by
telephone, fax or e-mail.
Unless we receive notice cancelling your postal vote by 5:00 pm,
11 days before the day appointed for election (see relevant
timetable) a ballot paper will automatically be sent to you by
post. You will not be able to vote at the polling station (but you
can hand in the envelope containing your postal vote at the polling
station if you have been unable to send it back beforehand)
Alternatively please visit the following web site:
The Electoral Commission at http://www.electoralcommission.gov.uk/
