Postal vote renewal
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years.
All domestic postal voters who made their current application on or before 30 January 2024 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, and electors will have to vote in person at a polling station.
Please note that if you are changing to vote in person, you will need to produce an accepted form of photo ID when at the polling station.
We are in the process of contacting all electors affected by this change, explaining how to reapply. If you have been contacted and wish to vote by post for future elections, please renew your postal vote by applying online here.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reapply if I cannot use the online form?
We would always recommend applying online where possible, as this is the quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote.
You can apply online for a postal vote here.
If you are unable to complete your application online, you can download a paper application form from the Electoral Commission. You can also contact the Electoral Services team to request a form to be posted out to you if you are unable to print one at home.
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 online for a postal vote without giving your signature – this is called a ‘waiver’ application.
You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature, such as due to a disability. Please note that applications submitted without a valid reason will not be accepted.
If you have any queries about the waiver process or need to request a paper application to be sent to you, please contact the Electoral Services team.
How to upload a signature online?
Please follow the steps on the GOV.UK website regarding how to upload your signature.
I am unsure what my National Insurance number is?
Please refer to the GOV.UK website to help you find your National Insurance number.
If your identity cannot be verified using a National Insurance number as part of your postal vote application, you will be asked to provide an alternative form of evidence. The Electoral Services team will contact you if this is the case.
I no longer wish to vote by post, what do I need to do?
Cancellation of postal votes must be made in writing, and this can be done by email or by letter using the contact details at the bottom of this page. Please include your full name and address in any correspondence.
What are my personal identifiers and how they are used?
On your application to vote by post you must provide your date of birth and signature, these are your “personal identifiers”.
When you vote by post you are required to complete and return a statement giving your personal identifiers. These are then checked against those you gave 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.
Contact us - Electoral services
01235 422422
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
