Postal votes
| Changes to postal voting |
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There are changes to voting by post and applying to vote by post. These changes affect voters, parties and campaigners from November 2023. You can now apply online to vote by post. |
Registered Electors can choose to vote at any election by post. You can request a postal vote for a specific election, for a set time period, or a maximum period of up to three years.
You can vote by post
Anyone who is on the published Register of Electors or who has applied to be added as part of the monthly update process can apply for a postal vote.
How to apply for a postal vote
You will need to provide your National Insurance number as part of an identity check, and online applications will require an uploaded image of your usual signature.
You can apply online using the link below.
If you are unable to apply online then you can:
- download the postal vote application form (PDF, 270KB)
- complete the form
- return it to the Electoral Services Department at electoral.services@iow.gov.uk or post to Electoral Services, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD.
If you need large print, please download our large print version of the postal vote application form (PDF, 4 pages).
Returning your completed postal ballot papers
When you have filled in your postal ballot papers we must receive them by 10:00pm on Polling Day.
We recommend that you return your postal ballot papers by Royal Mail.
The rules on who can hand in postal votes have changed
- you will only be able to hand in your own postal vote, and the postal votes of up to five other people at a polling station or at County Hall
- campaigners can only hand in their own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people that are either close relatives, or someone they provide regular care for
- everyone handing in postal votes to County Hall or a polling station will need to complete a short postal vote return form before they can be accepted