Voting by post

If you are registered to vote, you can apply to vote by post.

Postal votes are sent out a week before an election and can be delivered anywhere either inside or outside the United Kingdom (if, for example, you are on holiday). Please note that if your address is outside the UK, it will take time to reach you.

If you have a postal vote you cannot vote at the polling station, but you could arrange for your postal vote to be given to the polling station's presiding officer if you forgot to post it.

Apply to vote by post

The postal vote application form is available to download below -

Deadline for applications to vote by post

Please note the completed application form must be returned to our office no later than 5pm eleven working days before an election.

You are strongly advised to complete and send in your application to vote by post early. Do not wait until the election date is known.

If you move house you must tell us immediately, or you may lose your postal vote.

Registering to vote anonymously

It is now possible for residents, whose safety may be at risk if their details were published on the voters list, to register anonymously.

More information about registering anonymously

Secure way to vote

New regulations have been introduced to make postal voting at elections more secure. As part of this process all postal vote applications must include a signature and date of birth.

The information on the application forms is stored electronically and used to compare against the signature and date of birth given on the statement to be returned with your postal vote at future elections.

What happens after you have voted

• when the voting has closed the postal votes are scanned
• the postal votes and the votes in the sealed ballot boxes are counted at the count venue
• the total number of votes is counted first which should be the same number that was issued at the polling station
• the votes are then divided between the candidates and counted
• each candidate is allowed to be present at the count. They are also allowed to appoint counting agents to observe the count to check that it is done correctly
• if the result is close a candidate can request a recount, however the returning officer makes the decision whether this happens
• when the count has finished the results are given to the returning officer who will make the official declaration

What happens after the declaration

• the counted ballot papers are packaged up
• the packages can only be opened and re-inspected by an order of an election court in the event that the result of the election is challenged in the courts

Contact us

Electoral services
Hull City Council
Guildhall
Alfred Gelder Street
Hull
HU1 2AA
Map (link opens in a new window)

Tel: 01482 300 300
Fax: 01482 613 097
Text phone: 01482 300 349
Email: electoral.services@hullcc.gov.uk