Anyone registered to vote. You do not need a reason to vote by post.
If you are unable to get to your polling station on election day, you can vote by post on a temporary or permanent basis. You will receive your ballot paper by post approximately two weeks before the election day.
Please note: The next scheduled Local Government Elections will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026.
How can I apply for a postal vote?
You can now apply online for a postal vote. You will need to provide the following information when completing your application:
the address where you are registered to vote
your National Insurance number or other identity documents, for example a passport
the specific date of the election or referendum you want to make a postal vote, if you only want a one off postal vote
You'll also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
If you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a postal vote signature waiver within the service.
You might be asked for extra documents to identify you.
If you cannot apply online and would like a paper application form posted to you, please contact the Electoral Services staff on the contact details below or alternatively you can download a postal vote application form (PDF) [147KB] (opens new window).
Please return your completed paper application form to the address below or email a clear scanned copy to elections@sthelens.gov.uk
Where can I get my postal vote sent to?
You can have your postal vote sent to your home address or any other address, even overseas. If the address given is not your home address you must give a reason why you want the postal vote sending elsewhere. Postal voters overseas must have enough time to receive and return the ballot paper by election day.
Renewal of Postal Vote Signature
The Elections Act 2022 requires all postal voters who completed a postal vote application form before 31 October 2023 to renew their postal vote no later than 31 January 2026.
The new postal vote will be in place for a maximum of three years, following which the elector will need to make a new application.
St Helens Council have sent emails to effected voters who have provided us with their email address. This email invites postal voters to reapply for their postal vote before 31 January 2026.
Postal voters who we don't not hold an email address for will receive an invitation to renew their postal vote through the post around 30 April 2025.
If you have received an email, but another member of your household has not received the email, it will be because we do not hold an email address for them, but they can still complete the postal vote application form, they do not need to wait for the letter.
The easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is online at apply for a postal vote, if you would like a paper application form posted to you, please contact the Electoral Services staff on the contact details below.
When you receive your postal vote pack
When you receive your postal vote pack this will contain your ballot paper(s) and a postal vote statement on which you will need to provide your date of birth and signature.
Sign the security statement and enter your date of birth
Complete your ballot paper in secret, on your own
Don't let anyone else vote for you
Don't let anyone else see your vote
Don't give the ballot paper to anyone else
Put the ballot paper in the envelope and seal it up yourself
Returning your postal vote
Return your postal vote by Royal Mail. Take it to the post box yourself or give it to somebody you trust to post it for you.
Hand Delivered to the Town Hall or Polling Station - If you return your postal vote by hand you will need to complete a Postal Vote Return Form at your drop off point. The form records details including your name and address, how many postal vote packs are being handed in and the reason for handing in other people's postal votes. You can hand deliver no more than FIVE plus your own postal votes. One of our reception team or polling station staff will be able to help you complete the form when you arrive.
DO NOT leave your postal vote in any Council Office post boxes or unattended reception points
DO NOT hand it to a candidate or campaigner
DO NOT leave it where someone else can pick it up
If the postal vote return form is not completed with all the required information the postal vote(s) will be rejected.
Postal votes will not be accepted if they are left at a polling station without completing the postal vote return form, the 'left behind' postal votes will be rejected.
For your postal vote to be accepted and counted, you must either return your postal pack via Royal Mail or hand it directly to the Town Hall Reception staff (or a nearby Polling Station on polling day) and complete a postal vote return form.
This is your vote
If anyone tries to help you against your will, or force you to give them your postal vote, you should contact the police.
If you have any questions or would like a postal vote application form please contact us, using the contact details below:
Electoral Services contact details
Telephone:
01744 676464 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Write to us:
St Helens Borough Council, Electoral Services, Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens, WA10 1HP
