Vote by post

Part of: How to vote

Contents

Anyone who is registered to vote in Trafford can apply to vote by post. If you have moved house or changed your name since you initially applied to vote by post you will need to complete a new postal vote application.

You can now apply online for a postal vote. As with registering to vote, we'll need to confirm your identity before we can process your postal vote application.

You must provide us with:

  • your date of birth
  • signature
  • national insurance number

Applications to vote by post will be rejected where a national insurance number is not provided. 

Once registered to vote by post, you will receive a postal vote pack containing your ballot papers(s) for the next election. Postal votes are sent out on average 10 days before polling day.

We check your signature and date of birth against the completed postal vote pack at an election to keep your vote secure.

How to apply

You can apply on the GOV.UK website or by post. For the application you will need:

  • the address where you are registered to vote
  • a photograph of your signature on plain, white paper that is clear and light
  • your national insurance number

Apply for a postal vote online

Postal vote application forms can be found on the Electoral Commission website. If you don't have access to a printer, contact us and we can send you a form in the post. 

We need both your actual signature (not electronic signature) and your date of birth on your application; these will be matched against the information you provide on your postal voting statement when you return your postal vote. 

Help with your postal vote application

Postal vote application forms must be signed. If you’re unable to, you may be eligible for a signature waiver contact us about this.

Postal vote renewal

You may need to renew your postal vote. Find out more information about how to renew your postal vote and how we will contact you. 

Cancelling or amending a postal vote

You can cancel or amend your postal vote, to a polling station vote anytime during the year. There is however a deadline prior to an election of 11 working days to carry out this type of amendment.

You can contact us to arrange this, providing your full name and address.