Renew your postal vote

The Elections Act 2022 introduced new rules for postal voting.

All postal voters must now reapply every three years to keep their postal vote active.

On 13 November 2025, the Electoral Services team will contact all electors who applied for a postal vote before 30 January 2024, to inform them know their postal vote will expire on 31 January 2026. They will also provide details on how to reapply. 

Changes that have been made

Under the new legislation:

  • postal vote applications now last for a maximum of three years
  • voters who applied for a postal vote before 30 January 2024 must reapply by 31 January 2026 to continue voting by post
  • applications must include your: 
    • full name
    • address
    • date of birth
    • National Insurance number
    • signature
  •  your identity will be checked against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If this check fails, you’ll need to provide proof of identity. 

What happens after 31 January 2026 

On 10 February 2026, Electoral Services will contact affected postal voters who haven’t reapplied by this date, to confirm their postal vote has been cancelled.

You will still be able to:

  • vote in person at their polling station (bring photo ID)
  • apply for a new postal vote at any time before 5.00pm, 11 working days before an election

How to reapply

The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is via the GOV.UK website. 

If you can’t apply online, request a paper form by:

  • emailing elecreg@swindon.gov.uk
  • calling 01793 464601
  • printing and filling out the form on the GOV.UK website, sending it to Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH

How we will contact you

We will notify affected postal voters on 13 November 2025 by either email or letter.

To verify a genuine email from us:

If you usually receive emails from Electoral Services, check your junk mail and add the above email to your safe senders list.

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