Postal Voting

Voting by post is a quick, easy and secure alternative to voting at a polling station. Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote, you do not need a reason to vote by post.

When applying to vote by post, you must provide us with your date of birth and signature - these are checked against the completed postal vote pack at an election to keep your vote secure. Please note, from 31 October 2023, you must provide your national insurance number when applying to vote by post. This is due to a change to electoral law which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by post.

Once registered to vote by post, you will receive a postal vote pack containing your ballot papers(s) for the next election.

You will receive your postal vote pack around a week before polling day for an election. Once you receive your pack, you just mark the ballot papers(s), complete the postal vote pack and return it to us in the pre-paid envelope provided.

How to apply

Please email electoralservices@eastdevon.gov.uk to request an application form or go to Postal vote application form 2023 England | Electoral Commission

From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by post will be rejected where a national insurance number is not provided. This is due to a change to electoral law, which requires you to verify your identity when applying to vote by post.

Return your completed form to us either:

  • As a scanned attachment to an email to electoralservices@eastdevon.gov.uk. Please ensure that the image is of good quality and your signature is clear.
  • or post it to us at Electoral Services, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Honiton EX14 1EJ

Please note that you must print the form and provide your physical ("wet") signature using black ink within the signature box of the application before you return your form. If you do not have access to a printer, please email electoralservices@eastdevon.gov.uk and we will post the application form to you.

The deadline for making an application for a postal vote for an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.

If you have any questions regarding completing the postal vote application form or voting by post, please email electoralservices@eastdevon.gov.uk

Cancelling your Postal Vote

If you wish to cancel your postal vote, please contact our office either by calling 01395 571529 or by emailing us at electoralservices@eastdevon.gov.uk

Returning Your Ballot Paper

Instructions for completing and returning your ballot paper and postal voting statement will be included in your ballot paper pack. Please read them carefully before filling in any of the paperwork. 

When posting your completed postal vote, please be aware that the Royal Mail now has over 35,000 priority post boxes nationwide which can be used for returning your postal vote back to us. Please visit the following link for more information about priority post boxes, and to locate your nearest one: Priority Post Boxes

Contact Us

To request a paper copy of the application form please click on the blue 'start' button below and complete our online contact form. Please make sure you provide either an email address or telephone number to make sure that we can contact you as quickly as possible.