You can choose to vote by post instead of voting in person at a polling station. You do not have to give a reason, but you must be on the Register of Electors and you need to apply in writing. You can have a postal vote for just one election or for as long as you would like. Postal votes can be sent to addresses in the UK or abroad.

 

You can apply for a postal vote at any time but it is important not to leave it too close to an election. Any application received after 5.00pm eleven working days (excluding Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays) before an election will not be valid at that election.

 

If you have a permanent postal vote already, you do not need to re-apply (unless you have changed your address since applying).

 

Once your postal vote has been granted, your ballot paper will be sent to the address of your choice about a week to 10 days before an election. A security statement will also be sent along with your ballot paper. You must sign this statement, add your date of birth and return it with your ballot paper. A pre-paid envelope to return your vote will also be included, but if your vote is being sent abroad you will need to pay the return postage. You have until the close of poll on election day to return your postal vote to the Returning Officer - you can do this by post or by hand. If you have been issued with a postal vote, you cannot vote in person at a polling station instead.

 

Postal vote application forms are available from Electoral Services:

Telephone: 01228 817555 or 01228 817556

E-mail: elections@carlisle.gov.uk

Write to:

Electoral Registration Officer
Governance Directorate
Civic Centre
Carlisle
CA3 8QG

Online:

• Download a postal vote application form
• Request a form to be sent to you

(The form cannot be completed on-line because a signature is required.)

An alternative way to vote if you are unable to get to the polling station is to appoint someone else to vote for you, called a proxy.