In simple terms
Postal voting is a way of casting a ballot without going to a polling station. The election office posts the ballot to the voter, who fills it in and sends it back.
International IDEA defines it as those measures that allow voters to submit their ballot by physical post to the election administration.
How it works
Rules differ sharply by country, and that is where most confusion starts. Some countries let any registered voter request a postal ballot. Others limit it to people who are ill, travelling or living abroad.
In the United Kingdom any registered voter can apply, for up to three years at a time. Applications close at 5pm eleven working days before the election, and the completed pack must reach the local council by 10pm on polling day.
Returned packs usually include a separate postal voting statement carrying identifying details. Staff check that statement before the ballot paper itself is counted, so the vote stays secret.
Germany, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand are among the countries allowing in country postal voting without restriction, according to International IDEA.
Why it matters
Postal voting widens access for people who cannot easily reach a polling station. It also changes how fast results arrive, because packs still need checking after polls close.
It is politically contested for that reason. Deadlines, identity checks and rejection rules are argued over precisely because they decide whose ballot is counted.
Where you’ll see it
- Election coverage explaining a slow count
- Voter registration and absentee ballot deadlines
- Court cases about election procedure
- Turnout research comparing voting methods
Example
The US Election Assistance Commission reported that voting by mail made up about 30 percent of all ballots cast in the 2024 general election.
Often confused with
Postal voting is not early in person voting. Both happen before election day, but early voting still means attending a polling place.
Key facts
- International IDEA defines postal voting as those measures that allow voters to submit their ballot by physical post to the election administration.1
- Access differs by country: some allow any registered voter to vote by post, while others restrict it to defined groups such as people who are ill or living abroad.1
- In the UK a postal vote can be arranged for up to three years, applications close at 5pm eleven working days before the poll, and the pack must reach the council by 10pm on polling day.2
- UK voters must complete a postal voting statement as well as the ballot paper before returning the pack.2
- Voting by mail accounted for about 30 percent of total ballots cast in the 2024 United States general election.3
This entry explains a legal term. Laws differ by country and change over time. It is not legal advice.
Related concepts
Quick checkWhy can postal voting slow down an election result?Show answer
Returned packs still have to be received and checked against the register before the ballots can be counted.
Sources
- International IDEA. Special Voting Arrangements. Undated (accessed 22 September 2026)
- The Electoral Commission (United Kingdom). Postal voting. Undated (accessed 22 September 2026)
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission. U.S. Election Assistance Commission Releases 2024 Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) Report. 30 June 2025 (accessed 22 September 2026)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed September 22, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue