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   (152.76 KB)here.

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)

For further information about elections in the Malvern Hills area please contact Customer Services:

Get In Touch - Contact Customer Services

Alternatively please visit the following web site:
The Electoral Commission at www.electoralcommission.gov.uk