(Issue after absent vote deadline)
Postal voters – watch out for your ballot pack
Ballot papers for postal voters in (insert local area) will be arriving on doormats over the next few days, ready for the (insert local authority name) election on Thursday 3 May.
Over (insert approx number of postal packs issued)postal votes have been issued.(Insert returning officer name), the Returning Officer for (insert local authority name) advises postal voters:
“When you receive your postal voting pack, make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully before completing your ballot paper. Don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement. This statement is kept separately from your ballot paper so your vote is always secret. Follow the instructions in the pack to make sure your vote counts”
(Insert Electoral Commission spokesperson) from the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, has also advised voters to make sure they return their ballot papers promptly.
“Postal ballot papers must be received by the local Returning Officer by 10pm on 3 May at the latest. So, as soon as you have completed your ballot paper and postal vote statement place it in the envelope and return it to make sure that it is received in good time.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Insert local authority media contact
Electoral Commission Spokesperson:
East: Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager
South East: Phillippa Saray, Electoral Commission regional manager
London: Adrian Green, Electoral Commission regional manager
Midlands: Chris Hinde, Electoral Commission regional manager
North: Barbara Lines, Electoral Commission regional manager
South West: Adrian Green, Electoral Commission regional manager
Notes to editors
- Postal ballot papers must be received by the returning officer no later than 10pm on Thursday 3 May. Postal ballot papers can also be returned to a local polling station.
- Election related images for media use (free of charge) can be found at:
- The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. It regulates party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections. It is also responsible for the conduct and regulations of referendums held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).