Date:
The borough’s postal vote application process has been updated to follow the Electoral Commission’s official guidance.
Julie Fisher, Woking Borough Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Woking Borough Council is the guardian of local democracy and each resident’s right to vote.
“This decision means that residents will no longer be encouraged to submit photographic identification when applying for a postal vote. Going forward, we will directly follow the Electoral Commission’s official guidance, which requires residents to supply us with their date of birth and signature only.
“We are currently undertaking the last stage of the annual canvass which checks and updates the local electoral register. If you are not registered to vote, I urge you to do so online at www.gov.uk. Once registered, you will be able to choose your preferred voting method – in person, by post or via a chosen trusted person, known as a proxy.”
The commission’s postal vote wording states: “The application form includes instructions on how to fill it in correctly.
“You will need to provide your date of birth and signature on your application form. These are used to confirm your identity when you vote by post.
“If you're unable to sign the form, or are unable to sign in a consistent way, contact the electoral services team at your local council for more information.
“Once you have completed the form and made sure you have signed it, you need to send it to the electoral services team at your local council.
“You can send your form by post. The electoral services team at your local council may also accept a scanned copy of your form by email, but you should check with them first.
“You must return your postal vote application form by 5pm, 11 working days before the poll.”
For more information about postal votes, visit www.woking.gov.uk/postalvotes