Vote by Post or Proxy

Postal and proxy voters are advised that, following a change in the law, they must now provide their date of birth and signature, known as "personal identifiers."

The regulations apply to existing postal and proxy voters, as well as those applying to vote by post or proxy for the first time.

Postal voters must be a registered elector and will be required to return a security statement with their completed ballot paper. The signature and date of birth provided on the statement will then be checked against the personal identifiers on their application form, which will help to deter and detect fraudulent use of postal votes.

Postal votes remains in separate sealed envelopes until the personal identifiers have been verified.

Prospective postal voters unable to provide a signature for any reason may be granted an exemption from the new arrangements and should contact Ribble Valley Borough Council's elections team for guidance.

Proxy votes are available to people unable to attend a polling station, for example due to holiday, disability or military service. Proxy voters are able to appoint someone, who must be over 18 years old, a close relative and a registered elector, to vote on their behalf.

Requests for a postal vote or to change an existing postal or proxy vote must be made to Ribble Valley Borough Council by 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.

The deadline for new applications to vote by proxy, except medical emergencies, is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27.

Emergency proxy votes are available until Election Day on Thursday, May 6, for medical reasons only.

Further details are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council's elections team on 01200 414411.

Ends.

Ref: PR1810.

Date: April 12 2010.