Only 3 weeks left to renew postal votes

With just over three weeks left to reapply for postal votes, more than 6,500 Reading residents could lose the chance to vote by post in May’s local elections.

Latest figures show 6,580 of around 18,000 postal voters in Reading have not yet reapplied.

Why you need to reapply

Changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 mean postal voters must now reapply every three years.

Previously, postal votes lasted indefinitely, with voters only needing to update their signature every five years.

Anyone who applied for their current postal vote before 30 January 2024 must reapply by midnight on 31 January 2026.

What happens if you do not reapply

If you do not reapply by the deadline, the council is required by law to remove your postal vote.

Removal notice letters will be sent in February 2026.

You will still be able to vote in May’s election, but you will need to vote in person at your local polling station.

How to reapply

The quickest and easiest way to reapply is online.

If you cannot apply online, you can ask for a paper form.

Contact electoral services by:

• phone: 0118 937 3717
• email: elections@reading.gov.uk

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need to provide:

• your date of birth
• your national insurance number
• a signature

Your identity will be checked against Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) records.
If this check fails, you will be asked to provide proof of identity.

If you cannot provide a signature or have difficulty signing consistently, contact electoral services for advice.

If you no longer want a postal vote

If you no longer wish to vote by post, contact electoral services by:

• email: elections@reading.gov.uk
• phone: 0118 937 3717
• post: Electoral Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU