Re-applying for a postal vote

Recent changes in legislation have reduced the maximum period that an elector can have a postal vote.

Postal vote arrangements now last up to 3 years - after that you need to re-apply. Anyone who applied before 31 October 2023 needs to re-apply by 31 January 2026.

Contact

We will contact you by email if you need to re-apply. If we don't have an email for you, we will send a letter.

If you don't apply in time, you need to vote in person with photo ID (unless we get a new postal vote or a proxy vote application). We'll contact you if this happens.

Electors that are no longer a postal or proxy voter, must take an accepted form of photo ID to vote in person at a polling station.

Apply

You will need to provide:

• your date of birth
• your National Insurance number
• a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
• you can still apply without a signature but you need to explain why

If someone helps complete your application, they will need to provide their details. We may send out a declaration so we can proceed with the application.

You can also download a paper application form or email us at [email protected] if you need assistance or a paper application posting out.

If you move house, you must re-register to vote at your new address, then can re-apply for a postal vote for your new address.

Cancelling

You can cancel your postal vote in writing (include your full name, address and signature) by sending a letter to:

Electoral Services
North Northamptonshire Council
Bowling Green Road
Kettering
NN15 7QX

Last updated 16 June 2025