You can apply to vote by post if you cannot get to the polling station to vote or if you find it more convenient.
Your ballot papers will be posted to you along with a statement asking you to provide your date of birth and signature, for security.
Apply to vote by post
You can apply to vote by post at GOV.UK
If you cannot apply online, download and fill in a postal vote application form (PDF). Alternatively, contact Electoral Services who can post you a paper form.
You can return your paper form by:
- email to electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk
- post to Electoral Services, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD
- hand to the Civic Centre in Esher
You will need to provide your National Insurance number in order to verify your identity. If you do not have a National Insurance number, or it cannot be matched, you will need to provide supporting documents and it may take longer to process your application.
How to complete your postal vote
When you receive your postal vote, read the instructions carefully. Your postal vote includes the ballot paper and a postal voting statement. Complete both of these and return them straight away.
Completed postal votes need to be returned to the Returning Officer by 10pm on election day. If you miss the post, you can hand your completed postal vote into your polling station or the Civic Centre in Esher.
Lost or spoilt votes
If you lose your postal vote or make a mistake, contact 01372 474474 straight away and a replacement can be issued before 5pm on election day.
Cancel your postal vote
You can cancel your postal vote up to 5pm, 11 working days before an election.
Your cancellation must be made in writing to electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk or by post to Electoral Services, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD.
Voting at a polling station with a postal vote
You can’t vote at a polling station if you have a postal vote. You can only vote using the postal vote issued to you. However, you can hand your completed postal vote into your polling station or the Civic Centre in Esher on election day.
Help with voting
If you need help to vote, you can ask someone you know or get independent help by contacting 01372 474474.
Voter photo ID
From 4 May 2023, you'll need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. You will not need to provide photo ID to vote by post. This is because there are other identification checks, including verification of your signature and date of birth, both when you apply for a postal vote and when you submit your ballot paper. Read more about voter photo ID.