Reapplying for a postal vote

Following some changes in the Elections Act 2022 legislation, postal votes applied for on a permanent basis now only last for a maximum of three years. After this three-year period has passed the postal vote will expire and voters will be asked to reapply if they wish to continue to vote by post.

If your postal vote is due to expire, you will be written to ahead of the expiry date and asked to reapply if you wish to continue to vote by post.

You do not have to wait to receive our re-application reminder to make a new application, you can apply for a postal vote online.

How we will contact you

If you have provided us with an email address, we will contact you to confirm that you must reapply online, if you wish to continue to vote by post.

So that you can spot a genuine email from us:

You will receive a paper form by post at the end of September, if you:

  • have not reapplied online
  • have not provided us with an email address  

Reapplying for your postal vote

Whether applying online or using a paper application form, you will be required to provide your:

  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance Number
  • Handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper that you need to photograph and upload. It is very easy to do this using a smartphone or tablet.  

More information

When you reapply for your postal vote, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You may receive an email asking for evidence of your identity for your application. These emails are genuine and will be sent from the gov.uk application service email address. Please look out for these emails to ensure that your application can be processed.

If a new application is not received by the 31 January 2026, the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel the postal vote, and electors will have to vote in a polling station until a new postal vote application is received or if a proxy is appointed. To vote in a polling station all electors are now required to bring in an accepted form of photo ID on the day.  

FAQs

Who is being contacted

We are contacting residents with postal votes applied for prior to October 2023. If you applied for a postal vote after this date, you do not need to reapply for your postal vote yet and we will contact you when your postal vote is due to expire. Why should I reapply now? Although the expiry date January 2026 seems a long time away, if you would like to keep voting by post there are advantages in reapplying now. It means if there are any queries we can resolve them in plenty of time and it also means you'll be sent your postal vote at the earliest possible opportunity, especially if an unscheduled poll is called.  

I can't sign consistently, what can I do?

If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature but still want to vote by post, you can apply for a postal vote without giving your signature.

You can apply for a postal vote online. You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature. If you have had help completing the application, that person will be required to supply their details.

If you prefer to complete a paper application, please contact us by phone or email and request a waiver declaration to be sent to you. The waiver declaration needs to be returned with your postal vote application form.

How to upload a signature online?

You can find information on the GOV.UK website on how to upload your signature.

I no longer wish to vote by post, what do I need to do?

Cancellation of postal votes must be made in writing, this can be done by emailing [email protected] or by letter to:

Electoral services
Municipal Offices
Promenade
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 9SA

In your correspondence you should include your full name, address and handwritten signature.

Please note that if you are no longer a postal voter, you now need to bring an accepted form of photo ID with you to vote in a polling station. For more information about voter ID on the Electoral Commission's website.