Voting by Post

Introduction

If you can’t make the polling station in person, you can apply for a postal vote, that is where your ballot paper(s) will be sent to you by post in advance of polling day.

Changes

There have been changes to voting by post from the 31st October 2023. Applicable to the following elections

• UK Parliamentary Elections and By-Elections
• Recall Petitions

You can now apply to vote by post online and will require to prove your identity.

This does not apply to Scottish Elections. These being the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Local Government where the rules haven’t changed. 

Therefore the rules are different for each type of election and separate applications processes are required.

Details of how to complete this process is below.

UK Parliament Elections

• You can apply for a maximum of 3 years and you will require to reapply/renew before the the 31st January on the year of expiry.
• You also will need your national insurance number (or documentary evidence) as part of the application process.

Scottish Elections (Scottish Parliament and Scottish Local Government)

• You can apply for an unlimited period, but you will be required to refresh your signature every 5 years in the January of your anniversary.
• There is no requirement for a National Insurance Number for these types of election.

For more detail, check our our Absent Vote Frequently Asked Question Page.

• How do I apply for a Postal Vote as a UK or Commonwealth Citizen?

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  To apply to vote  will depend on what kind of election you are entitled to vote in. You must also be registered to vote.

  If not registered please first register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

  For your UK Parliament vote you can apply to vote by post online on the Government’s website – Apply for a postal vote – Alternatively you can use a paper form.

  For the Scottish Parliament and Local Government Elections you will require to complete a paper form.

  Forms

  https://www.saa.gov.uk/central/electoral-registration-downloadable-forms/

  Apply Online for a Postal Vote

• How do I apply for a Postal Vote if I am not a UK or Commonwealth Citizen?

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  If you are not a British or Commonwealth citizen and are registered in Scotland, then you will only be able to vote in Scottish Elections.

  You can apply to vote in Scottish Elections by post by downloading and printing a devolved application form from our forms page.

  If you can’t print, you can request a form to be sent out to you by using this Online Contact Form.

   

• How do I apply for a Postal Vote as a British Citizen living overseas?

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  If you are a British Citizen living overseas and have registered as such, then you can apply to vote by post by going online to Apply for a postal vote

  Remember you will require your National Insurance number to apply.

  Alternatively you can download and print a paper application from our Forms Page.