Peterborough City Council reassures postal voters ahead of by-election
The City Council has assured postal voters that recent issues with delayed mail should not affect their ability to return ballots for the upcoming Fletton and Woodston by-election.
There had been concerns that post-Christmas problems at Royal Mail’s Orton Southgate delivery office might have an adverse impact on the postal voting process for the February 12 by-election.
Peterborough City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that postal voting packs were sent out well in advance to avoid any potential delays:
“The majority of postal votes for the Fletton & Woodston by-election were sent out as early as possible, with most of them being posted on 27 January,” a spokesperson said.
“It was hoped that this would give electors plenty of time to receive and return their postal packs.”
“We have been receiving completed postal vote packs back in our regular post.”
The City Council also had some words of reassurance for those who may not have yet received their ballots:
“Anybody who is registered as a postal voter for the Fletton & Woodston ward who has not received their postal vote pack by the end of the week can contact Electoral Services for a replacement pack which can be collected from the Town Hall.”
Like everyone else, postal voters have until 10pm on February 12 to return their ballot paper.
The council highlighted that there are also other options available to postal voters who may find themself pushed for time:
“Postal voters have been advised that, if they wish, they can hand in their completed postal vote packs to the Town Hall Reception from now or at any polling station within the ward on the 12th February,” the spokesperson explained.
“A form will need to be completed by the person handing in the postal votes if they choose to do this.”
Royal Mail in Peterborough have been having numerous high-profile issues – especially in the south of the city – since the onset of 2026.
Orton Southgate delivery office said it has been dealing with “operational challenges” throughout January that caused ongoing delivery delays affecting parts of the PE2 postcode, with some impact also apparent in PE7 and PE9.
Residents in these areas reported receiving Christmas cards in late January and medical appointments that had already passed, as well as not receiving post at all. Some residents said they had resorted to visiting the delivery centre themselves to collect their mail in person.
Royal Mail attributed the downturn in efficiency to increased sickness absence in early January combined with exceptionally high letter volumes.