Thousands of Swindon residents who vote by post will soon be receiving letters or emails from Swindon Borough Council’s Electoral Services team, reminding them that it’s time to reapply for their postal vote.
From Thursday, 13 November, the council will begin contacting anyone who originally applied for a postal vote before 30 January 2024, to explain that their existing arrangement will expire on 31 January 2026.
The move follows changes brought in by the Elections Act 2022, which limits the duration of postal vote applications to a maximum of three years.
In simple terms:
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If you applied before 30 January 2024, you’ll need to reapply before 31 January 2026 to keep your postal vote active.
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If you applied on or after that date, you don’t need to do anything.
Anyone who fails to reapply in time will have their postal vote cancelled, although they will still be able to cast their ballot in person at their local polling station – provided they bring approved photo ID – or submit a new postal vote application before the deadline, which falls 11 working days before an election.
Reapplying is straightforward and can be done online through the GOV.UK website: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. Those who prefer paper forms can request one by emailing elecreg@swindon.gov.uk or calling 01793 464601.
Sam Mowbray, Electoral Registration Officer for Swindon Borough Council, said the change was part of a national update aimed at keeping records accurate and secure.
“Many residents rely on postal voting as a convenient way to take part in elections, so it’s important they understand this national change and what it means for them,” he said.
“Only those who applied for a postal vote before January 2024 need to reapply, and we’ll be contacting them directly with instructions. Reapplying is quick and easy online via the GOV.UK website, and our Electoral Services team is ready to help anyone who needs support or prefers to complete a paper form.”
Residents can find more details and a list of frequently asked questions on the Swindon Borough Council website.
