How do I apply to vote by post

If you would rather have your ballot paper sent to you by post than go to the polling station to vote, simply complete a Postal Vote Application Form and return it to us at the Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA.

Each applicant must complete sign a Postal Vote Application Form  

Applications must be received by us at least eleven working days prior to polling day if it is to be in force for that election.

Each person must provide a specimen signature and date of birth when completing a Postal Vote Application Form  which will be used to check against at the time of an Election when you will to complete the security statement that will come with your ballot paper(s), this is an anti-fraud security measure.  Applications must be received by us at least eleven working days prior to polling day if it is to be in force for that election.

Remember - if you change your name or address you will need to complete a new application.

Can I apply for someone else to vote on my behalf ?

Under certain circumstances you can apply for a proxy vote which allows you to nominate someone else to attend the polling station and cast your vote.  For detailed information about Proxy Voting please click on this link.

What if I am unable to provide a consistent specimen signature?

If you are unable to provide a signature as a personal identifier, please contact the Electoral Shared Services Office on 01527 881 421.  Who will be able to advise on alternative postal voting methods.

What should I do when my Postal Ballot paper arrives ?

Look out for the white envelope with purple edges that is usually sent out two weeks before polling day.  Please take great care with the contents. If you lose or destroy them you will need to contact the Electoral Services Office immediately.

To cast your vote:

• Open the outer envelope, (please be careful not to mix up your documents with anyone else’s in the house) - inside the outer envelope there will be:
• One return envelope B and a one piece document consisting of instructions, a statement with a Ballot Paper Envelope A attached, also enclosed will be your Ballot Paper(s).  Please take great care to ensure you do not  mix your documents up with anyone else in the household
• The detailed instructions explain how to complete your paperwork, these can be detached at this stage 
• Leaving the security statement attached and in BLACK PEN write your date of birth in the boxes.  Sign your signature in the boxed area.  Take care to use your usual signature. If these vary from the records you supplied to us previously, your  vote will be rejected. This is an anti-fraud security measure.
• In a private place mark your ballot paper(s) as instructed 
• When completed, fold the ballot paper(s) and slip into the pocket of envelope A.  Remove self seal strip from the envelope flap where shown and fold over to seal.  DO NOT DETACH the security statement.
• Place envelope A and attached statement into the return envelope (ENVELOPE B)
• Return without delay – the postage is pre-paid