Vote by post
If you cannot go to the polling station on the day of an election or referendum you can apply to vote by post.
Anyone can apply for a postal vote and you do not need to give a reason why you want to do so.
New rules introduced in the Elections Act 2022 mean postal votes are only valid for a maximum of 3 years.
If you applied to vote by post before 31 January 2024 we contacted you by email or letter with a reminder to renew. If you did not renew, your postal vote has now expired.
If you still want to vote by post, you will need to apply again.
Apply to vote by post
You can request to have a postal vote arrangement for a single election or referendum on a specific date, or for a period of time up to the maximum of 3 years.
Alternatively you can download an application form from the Electoral Commission website and send it to us using the contact details below.
You will be asked for your National Insurance number.
The deadline for applications is 5pm, 11 working days before the polling day.
Ballot papers can be sent to your home address or to any other address where you will be staying on the day of the election. If you live abroad you may wish to register to vote by proxy instead.
How to complete your postal vote
The video below explains how to complete and return your postal vote.
We must receive your vote by 10pm on polling day.
If you are concerned that it may not get to us in time or have changed your mind about voting by post, you can hand in your voting pack to:
- any South Gloucestershire polling station on election day
- any of our One Stop Shops
- our Badminton Road office
You do not have to make an appointment but you will need to complete a postal vote return form.
You are allowed to hand in the postal votes of up to 5 other people.
Cancel your postal vote
If you no longer want to vote by post, you must contact us no later than 5pm, 11 working days before an upcoming election.
Write to us with your name, address and request to remove your postal vote application using the email or postal addresses below.
Contact us
If you need help to with your application, contact us on 01454 863030.
Send application forms and postal vote cancellation requests to electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or post to:
Electoral Registration and Returning Officer
South Gloucestershire Council
PO Box 1953
Bristol
BS37 0DB