Latest postal and proxy vote changes in Colchester elections

Colchester Council is updating its guidelines for the forthcoming police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) elections.

The aim of these updates is to align with national electoral standards to maintain the security and trustworthiness of the voting process.

Changes will come into force for the May 2024 elections, derived from the Elections Act 2022.

These changes introduce limitations on those handling postal votes and acting as proxy voters.

There are also new restrictions on the number of postal votes accepted at polling stations and other locations, as well as the process for submitting postal votes.

Now, individuals submitting completed postal votes can deliver a maximum of five votes for other electors, in addition to their own postal vote.

As a proxy, individuals can stand for no more than four people, with no more than two being domestic electors.

The submission of postal votes should be accompanied by a return form, which includes some personal details, and a declaration.

Postal votes should be returned via Royal Mail or in person to a designated member of staff at Colchester Town Hall during office hours.

Postal voters can also submit their votes at any designated polling station within the Colchester constituency on election day, May 2, 2024.

Under the new rules, postal voters need to reapply every three years.

The deadline to apply for postal or proxy voting is 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.

Pam Donnelly, returning officer for Colchester Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

“These new guidelines offer clear instructions for voters and uphold the integrity of our elections.”

To ensure maximum accessibility and security for both postal and proxy voters, such guidelines have been implemented.

Current postal voters should apply immediately online at the Colchester Council website.

For more information about the procedures of postal and proxy voting, please visit the Colchester Council web pages on elections or contact the elections team at elections@colchester.gov.uk.