Postal Vote Changes

Expiry of postal votes and reapplication process

Following a change to the law, postal votes can no longer apply indefinitely. They now expire after a maximum period of three years.

Postal voters can still register to vote by post for a particular poll, but they can no longer hold a postal vote for longer than three years without reapplying.

Existing postal voters are being contacted by the Elections Team whose postal votes are due to expire at the end of January 2026. Electors will be contacted via email, post or text message (or via a combination of means) to ensure they have sufficient time to make a new application.

Affected electors who do not reapply for a postal vote by 31 January 2026 will have their postal vote cancelled. Electors will still be eligible to vote at their local polling station and can reapply for a postal vote again at any time after this date.

What you need to do to reapply

You can reapply online or contact us to request a paper form.

If you no longer wish to vote by post, please contact us and we can cancel your postal vote. This will stop any reminder letters being sent to you.