The postal vote for the 2024 general election and how to make sure it counts

The general election is just over a week away and for those unable to vote in person, a postal vote option is available. However, in the 2019 general election, many postal votes were not counted.

Just over 50,000 postal ballots covering Bristol constituencies were issued ahead of election night. Of those, 41,012 were returned and counted on election night.

While about 9,000 people did not return their vote, 502 did but did not count. There are rules to follow when completing your postal vote, so we’ve put together some tips on how to make sure you have your say.

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If you missed the deadline for voting by mail

The deadline to request a postal vote has passed. However, if you are unable to vote in person, you can still apply online for a proxy vote until 5pm on 26 June.

A proxy vote is when you ask someone to vote on your behalf. Your proxy should be someone you trust and you will need to tell them which candidate you want to vote for.

Completing the ballot

Ballots and postal vote packs come separately. You should have already received your ballot.

When your postal ballot package arrives, keep it somewhere safe. When it’s time to vote, make sure you read the instructions carefully, as filling out the form incorrectly will mean your vote doesn’t count.

You must include your name, date of birth and signature on your postal vote statement. In Bristol constituencies for the 2019 election, the biggest mistakes made by postal voters were missing date of birth and incorrect signature.

When you registered to vote by post, you will have provided a photograph of your signature. It is important to make sure it matches the signature you give on your postal vote statement.

Vote on your ballot paper and seal it in the ballot envelope. Put that and the postal vote statement in the other envelope and seal it.

Returning the postal vote

It is recommended that you send your vote by mail as soon as possible to ensure it is counted. When you’re ready to return your mail-in ballot, take it to the mailbox yourself.

If you can’t post it yourself, give it to someone you know and trust to post it on your behalf, or you can contact your local authority to ask if they can collect it for you.

If you are late to post it, you can take it to your local polling station by 10pm on election day or to the Electoral Registration Office before they close. The Bristol Electoral Registration Office is located on the fifth floor of B Bond Warehouse on Smeaton Road.

If you have not received or lost your postal ballot package

If you have lost or damaged your ballot, voting statement or envelopes, you can ask your local Electoral Registration Office to post a replacement. You can also collect a substitute from your local electoral registration office until 5pm on election day.

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