Renewing your existing postal vote

The application process for a postal vote has changed, and you must now apply for a postal vote every three years or it will expire and you will have to vote in person.  If you have had a postal vote for a long time this is a change to the traditional permanent postal vote that only required you to refresh your signature every five years. If you applied for a postal vote before 30 January 2024, you must apply again by 31 January 2026 to remain a postal voter. We are contacting all those electors who have a postal vote that is due to expire.  In our email or letter, there will be instructions on how to make a new application.

How we will contact you

If we have an email address on file for you, we will contact you in this way.  The email title will be “Renewing your existing postal vote” and it will be sent from lancaster.city.council.elections@notifications.service.gov.uk

If we do not have an email address for you or you do not reply to our email, we will send you a letter in August.

 

Why do I have to renew my postal vote?

The Elections Act 2022 introduced changes to the way people apply for a postal vote.  From 31 October 2023, everyone applying for a postal vote must have their identity verified against DWP records.  That means that you have to produce evidence of your identity.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a postal vote is online via the gov.uk website  Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK.  During the application you will be required to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.  An electronic or typed signature will be rejected.

For an online application to be complete it must contain all of the following:

• Full name
• Address
• Date of Birth
• National Insurance Number
• A scan or photo of your usual signature on a plain white background

Postal vote arrangements are no longer permanent, and will only be permitted for 3 years.  After this time, they must be renewed or they will automatically expire.

 

What if I can’t provide a signature, or a consistent signature?

If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature due to a disability or inability to read or write, you can apply for a postal vote without giving your signature.  This option is available online and if someone is helping you with your application they can provide their name and the reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature.  If you need more information in how to apply for a signature waiver please email elections@lancaster.gov.uk .

 

What if I can’t apply online?

You don’t need to wait for our letter as you can download and print a copy of the application form yourself from the gov.uk website here Apply for a postal vote - paper form - GOV.UK. 

 

What happens if I don’t renew before 31 January 2026?

If you do not renew by 31 January 2026, your postal voting arrangement will be cancelled.  From 1 February 2026 you will need to attend your polling station in person to vote at elections taking place in your area, the details for which will be included on your polling card.  Polling cards are sent to registered electors in the weeks prior to an election taking place.

 

I no longer want to vote by post

If you no longer want to vote by post, you can cancel at any time.  Please email postalvotes@lancaster.gov.uk so we can remove the postal vote from our records.

If you haven’t made a new application or contacted us by 31 January 2026 your postal vote will automatically be cancelled.  We will write to you to confirm this.

 

Why do we need your signature and date of birth as part of your application?

When you vote by post, you will be asked to complete and return a postal voting statement.  You will be asked to sign the statement and provide your date of birth.  We check these electronically against the information you provided on your application to make sure they match.  If they don’t, your vote will not be counted.  This is to prevent someone else using your postal vote.

Last updated: 22 July 2025