Voting in council elections is conducted by post. All election materials, including your ballot papers, are mailed directly to the postal address you provided on the electoral roll. The mailout of postal voting packs begins after nominations close.
Postal ballot packs
Your ballot pack contains:
- a ballot paper for each election being contested in the council area for which you are entitled to vote
- a candidate profile brochure
- a ballot paper envelope
- a reply-paid envelope
- a postal voting guide
Most electors receive one voting pack. However, people who have properties or entitlements for a different election may receive more than one pack. 
Re-issuing ballot packs
Ballot packs can be re-issued under certain circumstances
You can request a replacement ballot pack if the original material was:
- not received
- destroyed or lost
- spoiled
- issued for an incorrect ward.
Ballot packs may also be issued to electors who claim to have been omitted from the council voters roll due to an administrative error.
Voting
How to complete your ballot papers
To make a formal vote, you must number at least as many boxes as there are vacancies, in the order of your choice.
For example, in a ward with 2 vacancies and 5 candidates: You must use the numbers 1 and 2, in the order of your choice, to complete your ballot paper. If you wish, you may continue to number some or all of the other boxes (3, 4 or 5).
The number of vacancies and directions on how to complete your ballot will be shown on the ballot paper.
Returning your ballot papers
Follow these steps after completing your ballot papers
- Place your folded ballot papers in the ballot paper envelope provided.
- Seal the ballot paper envelope.
- Ensure the relevant declaration is completed with your details and signed.
- Place your sealed ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope and seal it.
- Mail the reply-paid envelope so that it reaches the returning officer before the close of voting.
If you do not get your envelope in the post on time, you can place it in the ballot box at your local council office before the close of voting.