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Re-apply for a postal vote

If you register for a postal vote, this lasts up to 3 years - after that you need to re-apply.

When to re-apply

If you made your application: 

  • before 31 October 2023 - re-apply by 31 January 2026
  • on or after 31 October 2023 - your postal vote arrangements last until the third January following your application being granted

If you only wanted a postal vote for one election, you can cancel at any time.

How we will let you know when to re-apply

Between September and December, we will be contacting residents who applied for postal votes prior to 31 October 2023. 

If you applied for a postal vote after this date, you do not need to re-apply for your postal vote now. We will contact you nearer your renewal date.

We will be using the secure GOV Notify system to contact residents.

Email

If you have provided us with an email address and consented to it being used for electoral registration purposes, the notice will be sent via email from [email protected].

Phone

If you have provided us with a mobile number, the notice will be sent via text from WestNhantsC.

If you have not provided an email or mobile number to us, a form will be posted to you.

You will only be contacted if your postal vote is due to expire on 31 January 2026. This may differ for residents in the same household as it will be dependent on the individual’s most recent postal vote application date.

Sending out paper forms is far more costly, and they also take more time to process.

If you need support in completing the online form please see easy read information about how to apply online for a postal vote. 

If you wish to opt out of receiving these emails or text messages, please email [email protected].

We appreciate the need to check emails or text messages are genuine, especially if being asked to click on links and provide personal information.

Email

Check:

  • the email is from [email protected]
  • the subject of the email is 'Action Required – Postal Vote Expiring'
  • the link provided to complete an application is www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
    it has our contact details at the bottom of the email

Text

Check:

  • the message has come from WestNhantsC
  • the link provided to complete an application is www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

You do not have to click on the link in the email or text. If you wish to re-apply for your postal vote but you are still unsure about the email or text, you can use these links:

What you need to do next

If we contact you and you still want to continue voting by post after 31 January 2026, you will need to re-apply.

You can:

When you must apply by

To receive a postal ballot pack, you must make a valid application by 5pm, 11 working days prior to the election date.

How to cancel your postal vote

If you no longer wish to vote by post, please send a signed scanned letter confirming this to us at [email protected]. We can then cancel your postal vote and this will stop any reminder letters being sent to you.

If you do not re-apply for your postal vote by 31 January 2026, it will be cancelled. You will still be eligible to vote at your local polling station.

Last updated 09 September 2025