Postal Voting

What is postal voting?

If you are unable to attend at your polling station to cast your vote or do not wish to go to the polling station to cast your vote you can have your ballot paper sent to you.

How do I apply for a postal vote?

Postal voting is now available on demand for any type of election. If you are a registered elector in the city of Southampton you may apply to vote by post at anytime during the year. However, on the occasion of an election the application must be delivered to Electoral Services no later than 5.00 pm on the 11th working day before the election.

You will need to complete and return a postal vote application form stating where you would like the ballot paper to be sent and for how long you will require the postal vote. Regulations require applicants to supply a date of birth and current signature to help prevent fraudulent claims. If you are unable to supply a current signature please contact Electoral Services.

When are postal ballot papers usually sent?

Postal ballot papers are usually sent out 7 -10 days before the day of election.

Can postal ballot papers be sent overseas?

Yes, but ballot papers posted overseas have a limited chance of arriving back in the office by polling day.

What will I receive?

You will receive a postal voting pack which will include

Postal voting statement - which you will need to sign and give your date of birth
Ballot paper - giving the details of the candidates/political parties at the election and the number of votes that you may make
Ballot paper envelope A - to put the ballot paper into once you have voted
Return envelope B - to put the completed postal voting statement and the sealed ballot paper envelope A into to return. This envelope is
addressed to the Returning Officer and pre-paid so you do not need to put a stamp on it unless you are returning it
from overseas.

When does the completed postal ballot paper have to be received back by?

The completed postal voting documents must be received by the Returning Officer by the time and date of the close of the poll. If it arrives after the close of poll it will not be counted.

What if I aready have a postal vote?

Your postal vote application can only be cancelled if written confirmation is received from you. At the time of an election there will be a deadline for receipt of the letter of cancellation.

If you move house please let us now and we will advise you as to what action needs to be taken.

If you are going to be away at the time of an election and not at home to receive your postal vote it may be easier to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Please contact Electoral Services.

You will not be able to vote in person at the polling station, however if it is too late to post it back, you can hand it in at your local polling station.

Your ballot paper will be mixed with all the others before counting begins, so your vote will be kept secret.

Where do I get a Postal Voting application form?

You can download an application form by clicking on the link in the right hand menu of this page. You will need to print the form, complete the details in full, sign it and then send it to the address below.

CONTACT

Electoral Services
Southampton City Council
Civic Centre
Southampton SO14 7LY
Telephone: 023 8083 2245
e-mail: elections@southampton.gov.uk