Vote by post

What does it mean to vote by post?

Voting by post is a quick, easy and secure alternative to voting at a polling station.

Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. You do not need a reason to vote by post.

When making an application to vote by post, you will need to confirm whether you wish for your postal voting pack to be sent to your registered address, or to another address. 

How do I apply for a postal vote?

There are several ways you can apply for a postal vote:

• The easiest way to apply for a postal vote is by making your application on the Gov.uk website
• You can also download a PDF application form
• Or you can submit a web form to request the Electoral Services team send you a paper application form

If you have completed a paper application form, you can return it to us in several ways:

• You can take a clear picture of your application form and email it to vote@wokingham.gov.uk
• You can post it to:
  • The Electoral Registration Officer, P.O. Box 151, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WH
• You can seal your application in an envelope and place it in the post box at the Reception desk at Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BN.
  • Please note that if you wish to speak to a member of the Electoral Services team this is only available by appointment only. Please see our contact us page for more information about how to request an appointment. 

I am an overseas elector. Can I vote by post?

Yes, overseas electors are entitled to vote by post at Parliamentary elections.

However, please note that postal vote packs cannot be sent until the details of the candidates are known. There is a strict legal timescale between the close of candidate nominations and the date of the election. 

Some overseas electors therefore may not be able to return their completed packs by the deadline, which is at the close of poll at 10pm on election day.

The legislative process does not allow us to email postal vote packs. There is no online voting facility for UK elections. We would therefore ask you to consider voting by proxy instead to ensure your vote is not uncounted due to postal service delays.

What if I can’t provide a signature?

If you are unable to provide any signature or a consistent signature, you may wish to apply for a signature waiver.

If you wish to apply for a signature waiver, you can request this when submitting your postal vote application online. If someone assists you with your application, please provide their name and address.

Alternatively, if you wish to apply for your postal vote using a paper form, please contact the Electoral Services team to request a signature waiver form.

When will I receive my postal vote?

For information about when postal votes will be dispatched for upcoming elections, please see our current elections page. 

What is the deadline to apply for a postal vote?

If you wish to vote by post for a specific election, we must receive your application by the date shown on our current elections page.

How do I cancel my postal vote?

You can submit a web form requesting the cancellation of your postal vote.

If you wish to cancel your postal vote before a specific election, we must receive your request by the date shown on our current elections page. 

How do I complete my postal vote?

For a step-by-step guide to help you complete your postal vote, please see this instruction video.

I have filled in my postal vote incorrectly, what do I do?

If you made a mistake in completing your postal vote, please contact the Electoral Services team who will be able to advise you on the next steps.

Please note that postal votes that have been re-opened and re-sealed will still be accepted. This is because your postal vote is verified using your date of birth and your signature.

I have lost or destroyed my postal vote, what do I do?

If you lost or destroyed your postal vote, please contact the Electoral Services team who will be able to advise you on the next steps.

Please note that postal votes cannot be legally reissued until the 4th working day before polling day. 

I have not received my postal vote, what do I do?

If you have not received your postal vote, please contact the Electoral Services team who will be able to advise you on the next steps.

Please note that postal votes cannot be legally reissued until the 4th working day before polling day. 

Why have I been asked to reapply for my postal vote?

Due to a recent change in legislation, all postal votes must be renewed every 3 years.

For more information about reapplying for your postal vote application, please see our renewing existing postal vote applications page. 

Why have I received an email or letter saying you have been unable to verify my identity for my postal vote?

When submitting your application you will have been asked to provide your National Insurance number.  

The information you provide when submitting your application is then sent to the Department for Works and Pensions to verify against their records. If the information you have provided does not match DWP records, the Electoral Services team are required to request for documentary evidence to verify your identity.

• Please see the list of accepted documents (PDF)
• Please do not send original documents in the post
• You can return your proof of identity by email to vote@wokingham.gov.uk, or by post to Freepost: RTKL-JXUU-TLUB, The Electoral Registration Officer, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1GY

My question has not been answered, how can I contact the Electoral Services team?

You can contact the Electoral Services team by using one of the options provided on our contact us page.