By post

Changes to postal voting

Changes to postal voting came into effect on 31 October 2023. These changes include:

• You can apply online to vote by post
• You now have to prove your identity as part of the application process. Both online and paper applications require ID verification.
• You can hold a postal vote for a maximum period of three years. You need to reapply at the end of that time.

If you have a long-term postal vote that you applied for before 31 October 2023, this will expire on 31 January 2026. Our Elections Team will contact you before your postal vote expires.

How to apply

• Apply online through the secure Gov.uk portal. You will be required to provide your National Insurance number, as well as submitting a photograph of your wet ink signature. Please ensure the photograph of your signature is on plain, white paper and that the photograph is clear, electronic signatures will not be accepted.
• If you are unable to access the online application and need a paper application, or need assistance to complete your application, please contact the Elections Team at elections@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654 321.

Once registered to vote by post you will be sent a postal vote pack containing your ballot paper(s) around 2 weeks before an election and you cannot vote in person at a polling station.

You must submit your application by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day . Please address them to the Electoral Registration Officer.

If you require any further information about applying please contact the team at elections@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654 321.

Changes to postal vote handling

From 2 May 2024, restrictions on the handling of postal votes will apply. We recommend that postal votes are returned to us via Royal Mail as soon as possible before polling day.

• Any postal vote not returned via Royal Mail must be handed to an authorised officer and be accompanied by a complete 'return of postal voting document' form.
• We can no longer accept postal votes left in the letterbox at the council offices.
• Any postal votes which are left at any council building without the 'return of postal voting documents' form being completed will be rejected.
• You will not be allowed to hand in more than five postal ballot packs for other electors, in addition to your own (six in total).
• If a person hands in more than five postal ballot packs for other electors, all the postal votes (other than their own) will be rejected.

Cancelling or amending your postal vote

If you want to cancel your postal vote you must put your request to cancel in writing.

Please email to elections@fenland.gov.uk, or send a letter to Electoral Services, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8NQ.

The deadline for Electoral Services to receive a written cancellation of postal voting arrangement before an election is 5pm, 11 working days before polling day.

Any amendments to your postal vote must also be made by 5pm, 11 working days before polling day. If you have any queries, please contact elections@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654 321.

If you wish to change from a postal vote to a proxy vote, you must apply for a proxy vote at www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote