How to vote

Voting by post

If you are registered to vote you can apply to be a postal voter.

To apply for a postal vote, you can apply via GOV.UK.

You can also request for a paper copy of the form to be posted to you by -

If you move house, your electoral registration and postal vote do not move with you. You will need to make a new application to register to vote and a new postal vote application.

You can apply for a postal vote for different time periods -

  • one election
  • a set period of time - maximum period of 3 years

Postal votes are usually sent out 2 weeks before election day. If you apply for a postal vote close to the date of an election, your postal vote may not be dispatched until a week before polling day.

If you live overseas, consider how long it may take your postal vote to arrive. This could affect us receiving your vote in time to be counted. You may wish to apply for a proxy vote instead. A proxy is where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf.

If you are a postal voter, you are not permitted to vote at a polling station. You can deliver your completed postal vote pack by hand.

The deadline to -

  • apply for
  • amend
  • cancel

a postal vote is 5pm, 11 working days before an election.

Customers handing in postal votes

  • completed postal voting packs can no longer be handed in at Customer Service Centres
  • postal votes must reach the Returning Officer by 10pm on polling day. They should be returned through the Royal Mail system. For example, via a post box
  • if there is not enough time left to post before the election, postal votes can be handed in -
    • at any polling station in Hull between the hours of 7am and 10pm on polling day Thursday 2 May. See the list of polling stations
    • at the Guildhall in Hull city centre between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm
  • by law, electors can only hand their own postal vote, and those of up to 5 others
  • a short form must now be completed when handing in postal votes. Polling staff will be able to assist with this at polling stations. Electoral Services staff will assist at the Guildhall
  • we must reject any postal votes that are left anywhere else, or any that are handed in at polling stations or the Guildhall without the form being completed

How postal voting works

When there is an election, we will send you a ballot paper and a postal voting statement. You need to complete the postal voting statement with your signature and date of birth. Return it to us along with your complete ballot paper.

The signature and date of birth on the statement will be checked against your original application. This is to make sure nobody else can use your vote. It is very important that you are careful when completing your postal vote application. Make sure you sign the same way each time. If you have requested a postal vote for the maximum period of 3 years, we will contact you to renew your application.

If you cannot sign the application form, or cannot sign the same way every time, notify us to request an application to waive the requirement to provide a signature.

Cancelling or amending your postal vote

If you no longer wish to have a postal vote, you need to let us know in writing. Provide your name, address, and sign the letter.

If you wish to amend your postal vote, for example, asking it to be sent to a different address, you will need to complete a new postal vote application form.

If you have any queries, contact the Electoral Services team on 01482 613386. Or email electoral.services@hullcc.gov.uk.