The following sections provide guidance on postal voting and the processes involved.
The guidance covers:
who can apply to vote by post
what is contained in postal ballot pack
the opening of postal votes and who can attend
the postal vote opening process
the appointment of postal voting agents and their role
The guidance also covers your duty to maintain secrecy during postal vote opening sessions.
The Elections Act 2022 has introduced specific restrictions regarding the handling of postal votes. This new legislation will be in force for the scheduled polls in May 2024. You will need to make sure your supporters are aware that it is an offence to handle completed ballot papers or postal ballot packs for voters who are not close family or someone they care for and to follow the Code of conduct for campaigners in Great Britain.