Postal voting

If you can't vote at a polling station, or you don't want to, find out what a postal vote is and how to apply for one.

What a postal vote is

A postal vote is a vote you return by post.

You can apply for a postal vote if you:

  • don’t want to vote at the polling station
  • can't get to a polling station on election day

We'll send your ballot papers to you in the post before an election. You can then post these back to us or hand them in at Hove Town Hall at any point before the election. 

You can also hand in your postal vote into any polling station in Brighton & Hove on the day of the election.

From May 2024, you'll need to complete a separate declaration form if you return your postal vote by hand. We won't be able to count your vote without the declaration. 

How to apply for a postal vote

You need to verify your identity when you apply for a postal vote. You can do this by providing your National Insurance number. If you can't provide a National Insurance number, or we aren't able to verify your identity with it, we'll ask you for more identification.

The signature you provide on your postal vote application must be the same as the signature you provide when you vote. If the signatures do not match, then we will reject your vote.

To get your postal vote, you can:

Return completed paper application forms to us:

  • by post to Electoral Services, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road Hove, BN3 3BQ.
  • by email, as a clear scan or photo

You can also contact us if you have any questions, or need help.

Electoral services team
More information about Electoral services team

Application deadlines

Postal vote applications

Make your application for a postal vote by 5pm, 11 working days before election day.

Cancel an existing postal vote

Cancel an existing posting vote by 5pm, 11 working days before election day.

Find the postal application deadlines for upcoming elections in Brighton & Hove.