Many voters across England still assume that once they apply for a postal vote, it continues indefinitely. This used to be the case under the old system, where postal voters only needed to refresh their signature every five years. This changed under the Elections Act 2022.

According to official guidance, postal vote arrangements for domestic electors can now only last for a maximum of three years. After this period, the arrangement automatically ends unless the voter submits a new application. This national rule applies across England and is not specific to any town, district or borough.

Councils are required to identify which voters’ three-year periods are ending and notify them that they must reapply. If your postal vote has expired, or if you are not sure, you can reapply online via a www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. In addition to your basic personal information, you will need your National Insurance number and a photo of your signature to upload to complete the application.

Many find postal voting convenient, but it is no longer a permanent arrangement. With important elections approaching, including new unitary authority elections in some areas, voters should confirm their current registration status by reapplying for postal voting in good time to ensure they can continue voting by post. This will also ensure the local authority has your most up-to-date contact details, as they may send notifications to your previously supplied email or phone number.

How Long a Postal Vote Lasts

The expiry date is fixed nationally. A postal vote arrangement ends on the 31st January following the date the application was approved. For example, if your application was approved on 1 February 2024, your postal vote would end on 31 January 2027.

If you applied before October 2023 under the old permanent system, councils are advising that your postal vote will expire on 31 January 2026, and you must reapply if you want to continue voting by post.

How to Check if You Are Registered for a Postal Vote

There is no online portal showing whether an individual is currently registered for a postal vote. This applies to all English voters preparing for forthcoming local or unitary authority elections. To be sure you are registered, voters should reapply for postal voting online. By providing an email address, you will immediately receive a confirmation of your application.

Look Out for Council Re‑application Notices

Councils across England are required to notify postal voters whose three-year period is ending. These notices may be sent by email or letter, depending on what contact details the council holds. If you receive such a notice, it means your postal vote is due to expire, and you must reapply.

How to Reapply for a Postal Vote Before Upcoming Elections

Reapplying is straightforward and can be done at any time, including ahead of upcoming unitary elections.

Apply online

You can submit a new application through the government’s postal vote service.
www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

You will need your National Insurance number, date of birth and a photo of your handwritten signature.

Apply using a paper form

Paper forms can be downloaded from GOV.UK and returned to your local electoral registration office. www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote

For residents in Guildford Borough, these forms can also be downloaded via the GBC website, and once completed, scanned and returned via email. The direct link, including where to send the email, visit www.guildford.gov.uk/article/21726/Apply-for-a-postal-vote.

What Happens If Your Postal Vote Expires

If you do not reapply, your postal vote arrangement ends automatically. You remain registered to vote, but you will need to vote in person at your polling station until you submit a new postal vote application. This is confirmed by councils implementing the Elections Act changes.