The Elections Act 2022 changed the law covering voting by post. It's no longer possible to have a permanent postal vote arrangement. The maximum period a postal voting arrangement can last is now 3 years. After this, they must be renewed, or they will automatically expire.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 must make a new application for their postal vote by 31 January 2026 if they wish to continue to vote by post. However, you can still vote at your allocated polling station if your postal vote has expired.
Reapply for postal voting
The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is online.
to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
have your national insurance number to hand to verify your identity
You can find your national insurance number on a document you already have, for example a P60, payslip or letters about benefits. If you receive a state pension, it will be on your bank statement. You can find your national insurance number on the government website (GOV.UK), but you will need to upload documents or provide comprehensive information.
If you are unable to provide a signature (or a consistent signature) due to a disability or inability to read or write, you can apply for a postal vote without giving your signature. You can contact the Electoral Services team to ask us for a signature waiver.
If we don't hold an email address for you, we will contact you by post before the deadline.
It's possible that members of the same household will receive their reapplication invitation at different times. This depends on whether we hold an email address for you.
You do not need to wait until we contact you and can reapply at any time before 31 January 2026.
How to cancel your postal vote
If you no longer wish to vote by post, you will have to tell us:
your full name and address
that you no longer want to vote by post
To cancel, phone 01635 519 464 or email vote@westberks.gov.uk. You will only be able to cancel your postal vote up to 11 working days before an election takes place.
If we don't receive an application by 31 January 2026, the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel your postal vote. You will only be able to vote in person at your allocated polling station until you successfully apply again.
