To vote in any election in the UK, you must be registered to vote. You can then apply for a postal vote if this is your preference or if you cannot attend your polling station on polling day.

You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the first election you want a postal vote for.

You will be sent a postal vote ballot pack before the election.

How to apply

An online system launched on 31 October 2023 which allows you to apply for an absent vote online.

You’ll need:

  • the address where you are registered to vote
  • your National Insurance number or other identity documents, for example a passport
  • the specific date of the election or referendum you want to make a postal vote, if you only want a one-off postal vote
  • you’ll also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
  • if you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a postal vote signature waiver within the service.

Apply for a postal vote online

Alternatively, you can download and fill in a postal vote application form. You can email your completed application to elections@telford.gov.uk or post it to:

Electoral Services
Darby House
Telford & Wrekin Council
Lawn Central
Telford
TF3 4JA

If you require a postal vote application form to be sent by post, please email: elections@telford.gov.uk or call: 01952 383206

Please note: Due to changes to electoral legislation, you must now make a new application every 3 years. Previously, you only needed to refresh your signature every 5 years.

In addition to the new online postal vote applications, the UK government is making further changes to postal voting.

Visit the Electoral Commissions website for more information on changes to postal voting.

Last updated : 1 October 2024

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including:

  • being away on polling day
  • having a medical issue or disability
  • not being able to vote in person because of work or military service.

Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to tell them which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for. Your proxy must also be registered to vote in the UK.

You must apply by 5pm, 6 working days before election day.

How to apply

An online system launched on 31 October 2023 which allows you to apply for an absent vote online.

You’ll need:

  • your National Insurance number or any other identity document, for example a birth certificate
  • the address where your proxy is registered to vote
  • contact details for your proxy
  • you’ll also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
  • if you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a proxy vote signature waiver within the service.

Apply for a proxy vote online

Alternatively, you can download and fill in the appropriate proxy vote application form. You can email your completed application to elections@telford.gov.uk or post it to:

Electoral Services
Darby House
Telford & Wrekin Council
Lawn Central
Telford
TF3 4JA

If you require a proxy vote application form to be sent by post, please email: elections@telford.gov.uk or call: 01952 383206

In addition to the new online proxy vote applications, the UK government is making further changes to proxy voting.

Visit the Electoral Commissions website for more information on changes to proxy voting.

Last updated : 1 October 2024