Apply for a postal vote

Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting. You do not need to give a reason for choosing to do this. Find out how to apply for a postal vote.

Apply for a postal vote

Apply online for a postal vote (opens new window)

Download and fill in postal vote application form (PDF, 169 KB)

Return your completed form:

by post to: Electoral Services, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB
by email: electoralservices@guildford.gov.uk. If emailing your application form it must be sent as a clear, scanned email attachment. It must be signed by hand
by delivering it to the council offices in person

Signing the form is essential

On the form you must give your:

full name
address
date of birth
national insurance number
signature

Your signature and date of birth will be used to check the declaration you return with your postal vote at elections. Your national insurance number will only be used to verify your identity.

Signature problems

If you are unable to give a signature or sign in a consistent way, contact us to let us know.

When to apply

you can apply for a postal vote at any time during the year
you do not need to give a reason for wanting to vote by post
you must be eligible to vote

How long does a postal vote arrangement last?

You can vote by post:

for up to three years
for a specific time period
for a particular election/referendum.

Choosing where the ballot papers will be sent

Tell us on your application form where you want the ballot papers to be sent if this is different to the address where you're registered to vote, such as a university address or holiday home. Give the reason for your choice.

When are postal votes sent out?

Postal votes can only be sent out once the deadline to become a candidate has passed and the ballot papers have been produced and printed.

For specific dates as to when postal ballot packs will be sent out for an election/referendum, contact Electoral Services or check the timetable on the upcoming elections page.

Lost/spoiled ballot papers

If your postal vote ballot papers have been either:

lost
not received
spoiled

contact Electoral Services for a replacement. Do not throw your postal voting paperwork away unless instructed by Electoral Services.

By law, we can only give replacement postal ballot papers from five working days before the day of poll.

Important notes for postal voters

Remember:

if you have a postal ballot paper for an election or referendum, you will not be able to vote at the polling station
if you wish to cancel your postal vote, you need to confirm, in writing, the cancellation of your postal vote no later than 5pm, 11 working days prior to the date of the election/referendum
if you change address, you will need to make a new application to vote by post - your voting preference will not be carried forward to your new address
once the fixed period of three years has expired you will need to re-apply for your postal vote, if you wish to continue to receive your ballot papers by post

Apply for a postal vote