Postal voters may need to renew
News release issued:
Some residents who have previously opted to vote by post will soon receive reminders to renew their postal vote registration.
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, voters must now reapply every three years to keep their postal vote active. This new requirement helps ensure voter records remain accurate and up to date.
In the Wyre Forest district, more than 11,000 voters need to reapply before 31 January 2026. These are individuals who applied for a postal vote before 31 October 2023. Wyre Forest District Council has already emailed around 5,000 of them whom it holds email addresses for. The council has also emailed reminders. So far, approximately 3,000 have renewed their postal vote.
The council is now contacting those whose postal vote registration is due to expire but who have not provided an email address. It will also follow up with those who have not responded to its emails. Voters do not need to take any action until they are contacted.
The easiest way to reapply - or apply for a postal vote for the first time - is via the government website: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote . Applicants will need: their registered voting address, National Insurance number or another form of ID and a photo of their handwritten signature (black ink on white paper). If a consistent signature cannot be provided, a signature waiver can be requested.
Anyone contacted must reapply by 31 January 2026 to continue voting by post in future elections. Failure to renew will mean voting in person at your designated polling station during the next scheduled elections in May 2027.
Returning Officer Ian Miller said:
“The Elections Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the way we vote, including the requirement for photo ID at polling stations and the need to complete a form when hand-delivering a postal vote.
The requirement to renew your postal vote application every three years is the final change introduced by the Act. We know postal voting is a convenient option for many. If you receive a letter asking you to reapply, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
If you want to apply for a postal vote for the first time, please apply on line at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote ”