Reapply to vote by post

Act now – you need to reapply to vote by post

Reapplying for a postal vote 

Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years. 

All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 are required to reapply for their postal vote by 31January 2026. If a new application is not received by this date the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel the postal vote, and electors will have to vote at a polling station until a new postal vote application is received, or a proxy is appointed. 

You will be contacted by post or by email (if we hold an email address for you) with information on the necessary steps to take to make a new application.

The quickest and easiest way to reapply is with GOV.UK’s online postal vote form.

Alternatively, you can complete and return the form included in the email or with the letter.

As part of your application, you will be required to: 

  • give your date of birth 
  • give your National Insurance number 
  • upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper. 

The Elections Act 2022 introduced the following changes for voters who applied for a postal vote after 31 October 2023: 

  • Electors can now apply online 
  • Electors must prove suitable identity as part of the application process. Your identity will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If this identity check fails, you must provide evidence of your identity. 
  • Postal vote applications are now valid for a maximum period of three years and a new application must be made at the end of that time.   

The first email or letter informing of electors to make a new postal vote application will be sent on 19 June 2025.

The reminder email or letter informing electors to make a new postal vote application will be sent on 29 July 2025.

Please respond early to avoid reminders being sent. If we do not hear from you by the 31 January 2026, your current postal vote will be cancelled.

For persons that have not made a new application, the removal notice letter will be despatched on 17 February 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is the email I received genuine?

You can spot a genuine email from us as:

  • the email title will be ‘Act now – you need to reapply to vote by post’
  • the sender will be from Reading Borough Council – Electoral Services
Why am I being contacted by email?

Some members of the same household may be contacted in different ways depending on whether we have an email address or not.

We are using email where a voter has provided an email address to reduce our carbon footprint and to reduce the cost of sending letters by post.

How do I reapply for a postal vote?

You can apply online on GOV.UK

As part of your application, you will be required to:

  • give your date of birth
  • give your National Insurance number
  • Upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
I can’t sign consistently, what can I do?

If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature, you can apply for a postal vote without giving your signature. Apply online for a postal vote.

You will have to give a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature.

If you have had help completing the application, you will have to give 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 do I upload a signature online?

Find out how to upload your signature.

What do I do if I am not sure what my National Insurance number is?

Get help to find your National Insurance number.

Why do I have to give my National Insurance number?

Your National Insurance number (NINO) will be verified against records held by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). If this identity check fails, you must give evidence of your identity.

If you are unable to provide your National Insurance number, you will need to provide some documents so that we can confirm your identity.

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

Cancellation of postal votes must be made in writing, and this can be done by email to elections@reading.gov.uk or by letter to: Reading Borough Council Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU. Telephone: 0118 937 3717.

Your correspondence must include your full name and address.

I have told you I no longer want to vote by post, how will I vote now?

To vote at a polling station you will need to ensure you have an accepted form of photo ID.

More information about voter ID on the Electoral Commission website.

What are my personal identifiers and how are they used?

Your application to vote by post includes your date of birth and signature, these are your personal identifiers.

When you vote by post you need to complete and return a statement giving your personal identifiers. If these do not match, with details provided on your application then your vote will not be counted and your postal vote rejected.

This is a security measure to prevent someone else from using your vote.

Your personal identifiers are always kept separate from your ballot paper, so no one knows how you have voted.

When is the next scheduled election?

The next scheduled elections will be the local council elections, which will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Last updated on 13/06/2025