Some Ipswich residents have not got their postal ballots

With the election less than a week away, many across town who have been waiting on their postal ballots are growing impatient having not received one yet. 

Ipswich Borough Council, which is in charge of polling in the town, said those who have not received their post yet to contact the local authority immediately. 

Ipswich Borough Council is in charge of polling in the town. (Image: IBC)

A spokesperson for them said: "Today (Friday, June 28) marks the first day we are legally permitted to reissue postal voting packs.

"We advise any residents who have not yet received their postal ballot to contact us directly.

"Upon receiving a request, we will promptly reissue the pack via first class mail or arrange for a collection as needed."

Javin Thomas, 23, who lives in Ipswich town centre, said he had a holiday booked for next week before the election was announced and asked for a postal vote.

"I still have not got anything as of yet," he said. 

A similar story took place with Susan Cook, a university student who decided to vote from Ipswich instead of her home address. 

"I know the elections have been called just as term time comes to an end," she added. 

"I did not know where I would be on July 4, when the election was called, so I asked for a postal vote in Ipswich. I still have not got anything yet, and I am annoyed."

She has decided to stay in Ipswich until the polling as it "may be the only way to vote". 

Many others like Mr Thomas and Ms Cook have opted this year to give postal votes for several different reasons. 

One in five people cast their votes by post in the 2019 general elections (Image: PA media)

This is in trend with national statistics, which state that since the legislation was passed in 2000 which eased restrictions on postal voting there has been a rise in the number of people opting for it.

According to the House of Commons Library, one in five people cast their vote in the 2019 general elections through postal ballots. 

People who have received their ballots have already begun sending their votes in. 

Completed postal votes must have been delivered by 10pm on polling day, Thursday, July 4.

They can be returned by post or handed in at council offices.

They can also be handed in at a polling station on election day.