How to Vote - by Post

If you can not get to a polling station you can apply for a postal vote.

You will need to complete and return a form which can be obtained by telephoning 01992 564 411 or by visiting the Civic Offices in Epping, or downloaded below.

Download application to vote by post form pdf

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply for a postal vote and you do not need a reason to vote by post.

A postal vote can be sent to your home address or to any other address that you give. Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you need to consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return your ballot paper by election day as they are usually sent out about a week before election day.

When you want to vote:
• Complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own
• Don't let anyone else vote for you
• Don't let anyone else see your vote
• Don't give the ballot paper to anyone else
• Put the ballot paper in the envelope and seal it up yourself
• Complete and sign the postal voting statement
• Put postal voting statement and the envelope containing your ballot paper into the larger envelope and seal it

When you return your postal vote:
• Take it to the post box yourself, if you can
• If you can't do that, either give it to somebody you know and trust to post it for you, or ring your local electoral registration office, to ask if they can collect it from you
• Don't hand it to a candidate or party worker unless no other way is practical
• Don't leave it where someone else can pick it up

If anyone tries to help you against your will, or force you to give them your postal vote, you should contact the police.

Contact Electoral Services on 01992 564411