RESIDENTS who usually vote by post need to renew their postal vote registration.
Changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 mean voters must now reapply every three years to keep their postal vote active.
This new requirement helps ensure voter records remain accurate and up to date.
In the Wyre Forest district, more than 11,000 voters need to reapply before January 31, 2026.
These include individuals who applied for a postal vote before October 31, 2023.
Wyre Forest District Council has already emailed around 5,000 of those it holds email addresses for and has emailed reminders. So far, approximately 3,000 have renewed their postal vote.
The council is now contacting those whose postal vote registration is due to expire but who have not provided an email address.
It will also follow up with those who have not responded to its emails. Voters do not need to take any action until they are contacted.
The easiest way to reapply – or apply for a postal vote for the first time – is by visiting the government website gov.uk/apply-postal-vote and providing their registered voting address, National Insurance number or another form of ID and a photo of their handwritten signature (black ink on white paper).
If a consistent signature cannot be provided, a signature waiver can be requested.
Anyone contacted must reapply by January 31 next year to continue voting by post in future elections.
Failure to renew will mean people voting in person at their designated polling station during the next scheduled elections in May 2027.
Returning Officer Ian Miller said: “The Elections Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the way we vote, including the requirement for photo ID at polling stations and the need to complete a form when hand-delivering a postal vote.
“The requirement to renew your postal vote application every three years is the final change introduced by the act.
“We know postal voting is a convenient option for many.
“If you receive a letter asking you to reapply, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.”
Those wanting to apply for a postal vote for the first time can also visit the website at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote for more information and to do so.
