If you are unable to get to the polling station on election day you can vote by post. This means that you can cast your vote a few days in advance if you’re busy on election day, or vote in your home constituency while living away at university.
Your 3 step guide to getting a postal vote:
Step 1: Register
You first need to register to vote. You can do it online and it takes 5 minutes.
Step 2: Download
If you want a postal vote you need to download the form and fill it out.
Step 3: Send
Send your form to the local electoral registration office via post or email.
For the May 2021 elections the deadlines are 6th April for Scotland, and 20th April for England & Wales. Your postal vote is normally sent out about a week before election day.
Remember you cannot vote twice in the same election. The exception to this rule is local elections, if you live in 2 different local authority areas (for example because you’re a student), you may be able to vote in both areas.