Guidance for Returning Officers administering Local Government Elections in England

Issuing and distributing postal votes

As part of your planning for the delivery of key processes, you will have made decisions on the process for issuing postal votes and how you will distribute these. 

This section includes further guidance relating to the issue and delivery of postal votes, including re-issuing and cancelling postal vote packs, as well as guidance to quality assure the process. It also includes guidance on how to plan for and manage any postal vote applications received before the deadline of 5pm – 11 working days before the date of the poll that require verification of identity and can be determined up to an including the day of poll.  

Last updated: 19 December 2023