Voting by post is a quick, easy and secure alternative to voting at a polling station. Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote, you do not need a reason to vote by post.
When applying to vote by post, you must provide us with your date of birth and signature - these are checked against the completed postal vote pack at an election to keep your vote secure. On the application you must also provide your national insurance number, as you must verify your identity when applying to vote by post. From 31 October 2023, applications to vote by post will be rejected where a national insurance number is not provided. Those who already have a postal vote in place do not need to reapply.
Once registered to vote by post, you will receive a postal vote pack containing your ballot papers(s) for the next election. You will receive your postal vote pack around a week before polling day for an election. Once you receive your pack, you just mark the ballot papers(s), complete the postal vote pack and return it to us in the pre-paid envelope provided.
How to apply
To complete an application to vote by post on the secure government portal, visit www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
You will be required to provide your national insurance number, as well as submitting a photograph of your signature. Please ensure the photograph of your signature is on plain, white paper and that the photograph is clear and light.
If you are unable to submit an application on the secure government portal, please email elections@hounslow.gov.uk to request a paper application form.
Return your completed paper form to us either:
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As a scanned attachment to an email to elections@hounslow.gov.uk. Please ensure that the image is of good quality and your signature is clear. Attachments should be sent in an acceptable file format (PDF).
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or post it to us at Electoral Services, London Borough of Hounslow, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Please note that you must print the form and provide your physical ("wet") signature using black ink within the grey box in part 4 of the application before you return your form. If you do not have access to a printer, please email elections@hounslow.gov.uk and we will post the application form to you.
The deadline for making an application for a postal vote for an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.
If you have any questions regarding completing the postal vote application form or voting by post, please email elections@hounslow.gov.uk.
You can visit your local library if you require additional assistance to complete your application. To find your local library, click here.
