VALE residents are furious with what they describe as the “total disorganisation” around getting their postal votes, and now Vale Council say an investigation has been launched.

One reader, who didn’t want to be named, said they were “extremely annoyed” their postal vote didn’t arrive before they went on holiday.

Another said they had to collect it themselves and another posted on Facebook, on July 1 at 1pm that his postal vote has still not arrived.

Vale Council say they are “aware of delayed deliveries”.

Discontent at postal vote delays ahead of the General Election

One person wrote in and told us: “I am currently on holiday and extremely annoyed that my postal vote did not arrive before I left. I applied on June 4, a month before the election but my vote had not arrived before I left on June 27.

“I contacted the council several times, but apparently they have two deliveries of postal votes and the cut-off date is June 3. The earlier ones go out from June 17 and the second delivery was from June 24.

“I was told the votes were sent on 1st class priority on June 25. I live in Barry so the post hasn’t far to go.”

Ian Thompson wrote on Facebook on July 1: “Is anyone else in Penarth having trouble getting their postal votes for the election? Mine still hasn't arrived.”

Wendy Youde replied to Mr Thompson’s message, saying: “Mine didn't arrive. I had to go to Barry to collect it today. Totally disorganised.”

Vale Council confirmed an investigation has been launched.

A spokesperson said: “Two batches of postal vote ballot packs were dispatched, one on June 17 and the other on June 25. The first covered voters who had applied for a postal vote before June 3. The second run covered voters who had applied for a postal vote between June 3 and the deadline of 5pm on June 19, including those who needed to provide further information.

“These deadlines were publicised on the council’s website and shared on social media, while the Electoral Commission ran a national campaign to raise awareness of them.

“The council is aware of an issue with delayed delivery in some cases. This has been raised with Royal Mail and is currently being investigated.”

Vale councillor, Cllr Anthon Ernst responded to the messages of discontent with handy advice, saying: “If you have not yet received your requested Postal Vote, you will need to contact the Vale Council on 01446 729552, or ElectoralRegistration@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk OR better still, call down and collect your ballot paper from the Civic Offices.”

However, time is running out to get you postal vote, with one reader writing in: “I can’t be the only person disenfranchised by the VoG council’s procedures.

“It’s very disappointing when I went through filling out forms and scanning in my signature for nothing.”