Feedback on UK postal votes

THE CONNEXION will be speaking with the Electoral Commission in the UK this week to give them feedback from readers on postal voting.

Several readers have contacted us about pre-paid (UK postage only) envelopes that they received with their ballot following our article yesterday (though one reader reported having seen ballot packs without pre-paid envelopes from some councils).

Most people receiving the pre-paid envelopes – including this writer – report that they were marked with the number ‘1’ (for First class post) but with no mention of them being for use within the UK only. Some packs also have accompanying notes that direct you to complete the ballot and send immediately in the envelope while other people say their notes clarified that the pre-paid postage was for the UK only. The words “Business Reply Plus” are written on the front of the pre-paid envelopes at the top left.

Some readers say they contacted the authorities in the UK for guidance – and were told to provide their own stamps.

Have other readers been confused by this? Please let us know at news[at]connexionfrance.com and we will pass on your comments to the Electoral Commission.

There has also been wide variation in dates of packs being sent out, with some expats having had theirs almost two weeks ago, and others only receiving theirs yesterday (april 29).

There should still be time for sending back – an international letter from France is meant to arrive two to three days after posting in the main UK towns; however the French bank holiday on May 1 and British one on May 4 may not help speed of delivery so time is tight.

Please also let us know if you registered and applied for a postal ballot, but have not had yours yet.

Bearing in mind that the pre-paid envelopes do not work from France and that there are reported to be some differences in exactly what information councils are including in packs, you may also wish to double check – by weighing or at a post office – that you put the right postage on your envelope.

Connexion weighed a pack and found it to be exactly 20g, which costs €0.95 to send to the UK, however from 21g the cost is €1.50.

Finally, do not forget to write “Angleterre” (or Ecosse, Pays de Galles or Irlande de Nord) at the bottom of the pre-printed address for sending back to the UK, and make sure it is visible.