All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 are required to reapply for their postal vote by 31 January 2026. If a new application is not received by this date the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel the postal vote.
The new postal vote will be in place for a maximum of three years.
In South Kesteven, 16,000 postal voters will need to make a new application before 31 January 2026 and we will be making contact with all affected postal voters between June and October explaining how to reapply.
How will we contact you
Initially we will be contacting postal voters who have supplied us with their email address. To check that any email you have received is genuine:
- the email title will be 'Notice to reapply for a postal vote'
- The email will be sent via the Government notification service from elections@notifications.service.gov.uk
You do not have to wait to receive our re-application reminder to make a new application. You can apply online at any time by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
All other affected postal voters for whom we do not hold an email address will receive an invitation to renew their postal vote by post during September/October 2025.
The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is online using this link: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
If you are an existing postal voter and receive an email but another member of your household has not received the email, this may be because we do not hold an email address for them but they can still complete a postal vote application.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide your:
- Date of birth
- National Insurance Number
- Upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
The Elections Act 2022 introduced the following changes for voters who applied for a postal vote from 31 October 2023:
- Applications can be made online
- All postal vote applications must contain your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and signature
- When you apply to vote by post your identity is checked against information held by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). In some instances, this identity check fails, and you will be asked to supply evidence of your identity
- Postal vote applications are now valid for a maximum period of three years and a new application must be made at the end of that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the email I have received genuine?
You can spot a genuine email from us as:
- the email title will be Notice to reapply for a postal vote
- the sender will be from elections@notifications.service.gov.uk
Some members of the same household may be contacted in different ways depending on whether we have an email address or not.
If you are concerned about clicking on the link contained within the email you can visit the government website, www.gov.uk and search for "apply for a postal vote".
We are using emails where a voter has provided an email address to reduce the cost of sending letters by post to 16,000 postal voters. Please help us by responding as soon as possible.
How do I reapply for a postal vote?
You can apply for a postal vote online.
As part of your application, you will need to provide:
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number
- Upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
If you are unable to complete your application online, you can download a paper application form. You can also request a paper application form by emailing elections@southketeven.gov.uk or call electoral services on 01476 406080 (ask for Elections).
I can't sign consistently, what can I do?
If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature but still want to vote by post, you can apply for a postal vote without giving your signature - a 'Signature Waiver'.
You can apply for a signature waiver postal vote using the same online link. You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature.
If you have had help completing the application, that person will be required to supply their details.
If you prefer to complete a paper application, please contact us by phone or email and request a postal vote signature waiver application form to be sent to you.
How do I upload a signature online?
Find out how to upload your signature
I am unsure what my National Insurance number is?
You must prove your identity as part of the application process.
Your National Insurance number is used to verify your details against records held by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). If this identity check fails, you will be contacted to provide evidence of your identify, such as a copy of your passport or driving licence.
Get help to find your National Insurance number
If you are unable to provide your National Insurance number, you'll need to provide some documents so that we can confirm your identity.
I no longer wish to vote by post, what do I need to do?
Cancellation of postal votes must be made in writing. If you no longer wish to have a postal vote in place for future elections, please email elections@southkesteven.gov.uk with your name, address and request the cancellation of your postal vote.
Please be aware that if you are no longer a postal voter, you will need to take an accepted form of photo ID with you to vote in a polling station. For more information visit our Voter ID page.
How often do I need to re-apply for a postal vote?
Postal votes can now only be in place for a maximum of three years and you will need to reapply by the third 31 January after your last application.
What are my signature and date of birth used for?
As well as providing your National Insurance number on your application, you must also provide your date of birth and signature - your 'personal identifiers'.
When you cast your vote by post you are required to complete and return a statement giving your personal identifiers. These are then checked against those you provided on your application to check that they match. If they do not match, your vote will not be counted and your postal vote rejected.
This is a security measure to prevent someone else from using your vote.
Your personal identifiers are always kept separate from your ballot paper, so no-one knows how you have voted.
When are the next scheduled elections?
The next scheduled elections in South Kesteven will be the District Council and Parish/Town Council elections which will be held in May 2027.