Postal vote re-applications 2026 - 2027
If your postal vote is due to expire in January 2027, we will be contacting you to advise that you need to submit a new application.
Renewing your postal vote
Postal vote arrangements last for up to three years. Electors are contacted when their postal vote is due to expire and will need to renew their application to continue voting by post.
FAQs
The quickest way to apply is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
To re-apply online, you will need:
- your current address
- your National Insurance number (or another form of ID, such as a passport)
- a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
If you are unable to provide the above, you can return a paper application form instead. If your postal vote is due to expire, you will automatically be sent this form and do not need to contact us to request one. You can also download a copy at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
We have sent emails to residents who provided an email address. To check if an email is genuine:
- It will be sent via the Government Notification Service (GOV.UK Notify)
- The sender will appear as Elections at South Norfolk and Broadland
- The email address will be: elections.at.south.norfolk.and.broadland@notifications.service.gov.uk
If you include your email address on your application form, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You may also receive a request for additional evidence of your identity - these are genuine and will come from the GOV.UK Notify service.
Genuine emails will also come from elections@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk or from a southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk email address.
Please look out for these emails to ensure that your application can be processed.
You can find your National Insurance number on your payslip, P60 or on letters about tax, pensions or benefits. It follows this format: AB 12 34 56 C.
While it is now a requirement to provide evidence of your identity when applying to vote by post, you can still apply without your National Insurance number.
Please instead include a copy (not the original) of an accepted ID document with your application, such as:
- a passport
- a UK photocard driving licence
- a biometric immigration document
- a national identity card issued in the European Economic Area
For a full list of accepted documents, please contact us.
If you do not provide evidence of your identity your application cannot be processed.
You will receive confirmation once your application has been approved. If further evidence is required to process your application, we will contact you directly.
If you receive a reminder from us it means either:
- We have not received your new application, or
- We have received a new application which is on hold because we are waiting for further information from you
If you are unable to sign a consistent signature you can apply for a signature waiver. Apply online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or contact our helpline for further information.
If you do not make a successful new application by 31 January 2027 the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel your postal vote. You will still be registered to vote, but you will need to vote in person at a polling station until you make a successful application again. We will write to you to confirm if your postal voting arrangement has been cancelled.
If you would prefer to vote in person at your local polling station, you can cancel your postal vote by emailing elections@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk. Please include your full name and address in the email so we can update your record.