Postal voting

This is an easy and convenient way to vote if you're unable to vote in person at the polling station. To vote by post, you need to be on the electoral register and complete a postal vote application. To make an application you will need to provide your National Insurance Number, your date of birth, and a handwritten signature. This information will be used to verify your identity. If we are unable to verify your identity, we will need to request further documentation.

If you are already registered to vote and you would like to apply for a postal vote please select one of the following:

• Apply online
• Download postal vote application form to print (.pdf)
• Request application form in the post

Please return your completed application form to: Electoral Services, Hastings Borough Council, Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings, TN34 3UY.

If you are able to scan your document as a PDF file, you can either upload this to your My Hastings account at: www.my.hastings.gov.uk or email it to electoralservices@hastings.gov.uk. Unfortunately, photographs will not be accepted.

If you have a postal vote you wish to cancel, please email your request to electoralservices@hastings.gov.uk.

Visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections for further information.

Who can apply for a postal vote?

Anyone aged 18 or over who is on the electoral register can apply for a postal vote.

Where can I have my postal vote sent?

A postal vote can be sent to the address where you are registered to vote or any other address you choose. Postal votes can be sent overseas, but you should consider whether there will be enough time to receive and return it by polling day.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for submitting a postal vote application is 5pm, 11 working days before a poll. This is also the deadline to make changes to a current postal vote.

When will I receive my ballot papers?

Postal votes are usually sent out about a week before polling day. Once you have received it, follow the instructions to mark your vote on the ballot paper and make sure you send it back so that it arrives by close of poll (10pm on polling day). If it arrives later than this you vote will not be counted.

If you would like further information about voting by post, please contact us or visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections for further information.

What is postal vote renewal?

A postal vote can be put in place for a maximum of 3 years. You will need to submit a new postal vote application by the third 31 January after your postal vote is processed.

We will begin asking for renewal applications in June 2025 for applications that were processed on or before 31 January 2024. We will make contact via email and post. Emails will be sent from a notifications.service.gov.uk email address. 

If we do not receive a renewal application, the expired postal vote arrangements will be cancelled on 31 January 2026, and the effected electors will be notified. Those electors will need to cast their votes in the polling station until a fresh postal vote application is received.