Apply for a postal vote

Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting if you do not want to vote in person at a polling station.

You can apply to vote by post for a particular election or referendum, for a set period of time or for all future polls.
Postal votes can be sent to addresses in the UK and abroad.

You must be registered and eligible to vote.

You can download a postal vote application form from HM Government website by clicking here.

When you have completed every section and signed the form yourself, send it to your local electoral registration office.

You can find their address here. If you live in North Tyneside, then you should send it to:

North Tyneside Council
Electoral Registration Officer
Quadrant
The Silverlink North
Cobalt Business Park
NE27 0BY

The next elections will be held on Thursday 6 May 2021 and will be to elect:

• Mayor of North Tyneside Council
• Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police

Postal Votes – FAQs

Who can have a postal vote?

Anyone can have a postal vote, as long as they are on the Electoral Register

Why do you need my date of birth?

Your date of birth will be used as one of the identifiers to prevent electoral fraud

Do you need my signature?

Your signature is also one of the identifiers to prevent electoral fraud.  If you are unable to provide a signature due to illness or disability, you can request a waiver (which means you would need to sign)

How long can I have a postal vote for?

You can have a postal vote permanently (this can be cancelled at any time if you change your mind).  By law we must ask you to supply a fresh signature every 5 years as it can change over time

Alternatively, you can choose to have a postal vote for one election only.  Some people choose this option if they are going to be away on Polling Day 

When will I get my ballot paper?

Your ballot paper cannot be send out  it is known who is standing as a candidate.  The first issue of ballot papers are usually posted out around 2 weeks before the election day

What will I need to do when I get my postal vote?

You will complete your ballot papers as normal. 

There will be written instructions on which envelope to use for ballot papers. 

The main thing to remember is to put your date of birth and signature where it is asked for, as this is used to identify that you have filled in the ballot papers. 

If there are a few of you in the household with postal votes, please make sure you complete your form (your name will be on the paperwork)

When do you need to receive my postal vote back?

Your postal vote must be received back by Polling Day.  If you forget to post it, it can be taken to your Polling Station on Polling Day as a last resort.