Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

If a person to whom postal voting papers have been issued desires to vote by use of those papers, the following procedure must be followed:

the voter must mark his or her vote in the manner prescribed by this Act on the ballot paper supplied;

the voter must then fold the ballot paper so as to conceal the vote and place the folded ballot paper in the envelope and seal the envelope;

the voter must then ensure that any relevant declaration is signed;

the sealed envelope must then be delivered to an electoral officer for the relevant council (by post or personally) not later than the close of voting on polling day.

An electoral officer must, on the receipt of voting papers under subsection (1), immediately ensure the security of those voting papers in accordance with directions issued by the returning officer for the purposes of the election or poll.

However, an electoral officer may, before taking steps under subsection (2), check relevant information in accordance with instructions issued by the returning officer.