Determining postal vote applications close to a poll
If an elector applying for a postal vote close to the deadline for a poll fails the DWP check, their application can be determined using the exceptions or attestation process up to and including polling day. There is no deadline in law for postal vote determination.
However, whilst the processing of applications is the responsibility of the ERO, the RO is responsible for the issuing of postal ballot packs and producing polling station registers. You should liaise with the RO (where you are not also the RO) to establish the latest practicable point for determination of postal vote applications for each poll to ensure that it enables you and the RO to conduct your duties effectively.
As part of this you and the RO should consider:
the importance of supporting electors to be able to vote in the way they have chosen, and providing a consistent service to all electors
the time it takes to issue postal ballots in time to be received and returned
the provisions and timetable for reissuing postal ballots
the need to produce complete and accurate polling station registers in advance of polling day
Whilst the decision on what will be practicable will be a matter for you and the relevant RO, we recommend that any determination deadline you set should be no earlier than 5pm on six working days before the poll. This recommendation is guidance only, it is not mandatory, however it would enable you to meet your obligation to make the absent voter lists available for inspection and to send them to the RO (where you are not also the RO), as soon as is practicable.1