About postal voting

Anyone who has registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. You can continue to have a postal vote for as long as you stay at the same address, but you must re-apply if you move or change your name.

Where can my postal vote be sent?

It can be sent to either your home address or any other address that you choose.  Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you must consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day. If you are considering having your vote sent abroad you may also wish to consider voting by proxy.

How can I return my application form?

  • By post - you can post back your application form to: Electoral services, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA
  • By email - You can scan and email your application form to elections@cheltenham.gov.uk. Please ensure your form is hand signed and it is a clear scan.
  • In person - you can drop of your application form in person to the Municipal Offices.

When will I receive my postal vote?

Postal votes are usually sent out two weeks before election day.  When you have received it, mark your vote on the ballot paper and make sure you send it back so that it arrives before the poll closes, usually 10pm on election day.  If it arrives later than this your vote will not be counted.

When you vote:

  • complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own
  • don't let anyone else vote for you
  • don't let anyone else see your vote
  • don't give the ballot paper to anyone else
  • put the ballot paper in the envelope and seal it up yourself
  • complete and sign the postal voting statement
  • put the postal voting statement and the envelope containing your ballot paper into the larger envelope and seal it

How to return your vote

Take it to the post box yourself, if you can.  If you can't do that, give it to somebody you know and trust to post it for you.  Do not hand it to a candidate or party worker unless there is no other practical way.  Don't leave it where someone else can pick it up. You can bring your postal vote into the Municipal Offices if you prefer.

Remember that this is your vote - so keep it to yourself.