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You are here: Home > Council and democracy > Voting and elections > Postal voting FAQs

Postal voting frequently asked questions

This page contains answers to questions that will help those wishing to vote by post better understand the process.

1. Why to I have to supply my date of birth and a signature in order to get a postal?
2. What will happen to my application form once it is returned to the Town Hall?
3. Who will have access to the computer form and my application form?
4. Why do I have to complete the form using Black ink?
5. Why do I have to keep my signature and date of birth within the boxes provided?
6. What checks will be made at an election?
7. Owing to illness or incapacity I cannot give a consistent signature?
8. Because I cannot read or write I usually sign documents with a cross?
9. What happens if I will not give you my date of birth or a signature?
10. What if I change my mind nearer the date of an election?

 Download the Postal voting application form (33.1kB)

1. Why to I have to supply my date of birth and a signature in order to get a postal?

Following a change in the law, which came into force on 1st January 2007, electors who wish to vote by post for any election on or after 3rd May are now required to supply their date of birth and a speciman signature.

2. What will happen to my application form once it is returned to the Town Hall?

The returned application forms will be scanned and an image securely stored in the Council’s computer system. The forms will be kept securely.

3. Who will have access to the computer form and my application form?

Only designated Council Officers will have access to the computer system and the forms.

4. Why do I have to complete the form using Black ink?

This is in order to make the scanned image easier to read electronically.

5. Why do I have to keep my signature and date of birth within the boxes provided?

The software will scan the contents of this box only and by doing this it will make the checks carried out at the time of an election easier.

6. What checks will be made at an election?

The signature and date of birth entered on the security statement sent out with the postal vote will be compared with the information supplied on the original form.

7. Owing to illness or incapacity I cannot give a consistent signature?

There are arrangements in place to help in these cases.

8. Because I cannot read or write I usually sign documents with a cross?

See answer 7 above.

9. What happens if I will not give you my date of birth or a signature?

Failure to provide the required information will mean that your postal vote will be cancelled.

10. What if I change my mind nearer the date of an election?

You can make a fresh application, however, you will be required to give your date of birth and signature.