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Reapplying for a postal vote

The Elections Act 2022, introduced the following changes when applying for a postal vote:

  • 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.

When do I need to reapply?

If you applied for a postal vote before 31 January 2025 and it was granted for the maximum period available at the time, your postal vote will expire on 31 January 2027.

If you no longer wish to vote by post, it's important to be aware all electors are now required to bring in an accepted form of photo ID on the day to vote in person.

We will contact you to ask you to renew your postal vote before it expires.

We will send an initial email to all electors for whom we hold an email address.

If there’s no response, or if we don’t have an email address on file, a letter will be sent with instructions on what to do next.

The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is online.

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

  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance Number
  • Upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.

If you know your postal vote is due to expire, you do not need to wait for us to contact you before renewing it.

You can renew your postal vote at any time by applying online. Reapplying early will help ensure your postal voting arrangements remain in place for future elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the email I have received genuine?

A genuine email from Electoral Services will:

People living at the same address may receive communications in different ways depending on whether we hold an email address for them.

Where possible, we use email to reduce printing, postage costs and our environmental impact.

We would appreciate your prompt response.

How do I reapply for a postal vote?

The quickest way is to apply for your postal vote is online.

As part of your application, you will need:

  • Your Date of birth
  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.

If you cannot apply online, you can:

I can't sign consistently, what can I do?

If you cannot provide a consistent signature, due to a disability or medical condition, you can apply for a postal vote without providing one.

You will need to explain why you are unable to provide a consistent signature.

If someone helps you complete your application, they will also need to provide their details.

If you would prefer to apply on paper, contact Electoral Services and ask for a waiver declaration. This must be completed and returned with your postal vote application form.

How to upload a signature online?

Visit the guidance page explaining how to upload your signature when completing your online postal vote application

I am unsure what my national insurance number is?

You must prove your identity as part of the application process.

Your National Insurance Number (NINO) 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.

Get help to find your National Insurance number.

If you are unable to provide your national insurance number, you'll 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?

If you wish to cancel your postal vote, you must do so in writing.

You can:

  • Email elections@fdean.gov.uk, or
  • Write to:

Electoral Services
Forest of Dean District Council
Council Offices
High Street
Coleford
GL16 8HG

Please include your full name and address.

If you cancel your postal vote and wish to vote in person, you will need to bring an accepted form of photo ID to the polling station.

For more information, visit voter ID page on the Electoral Commission 

What are my personal identifiers and how they are used?

When you apply for a postal vote, you must provide:

  • Your date of birth.
  • Your signature.

These are known as your personal identifiers.

Each time you vote by post, you must complete a postal voting statement which includes these identifiers. They are checked against the information held on your postal vote application.

If the identifiers do not match, your postal vote may be rejected and your vote will not be counted.

This security measure helps prevent electoral fraud.

Your personal identifiers are kept separate from your ballot paper, so your vote remains secret.

When is the next election?

For information on upcoming elections and referendums, please visit our Current and Future election page.

 

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