Postal Vote Reapplication
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 postal and proxy postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every 3 years.
If you request to have a postal vote for the maximum 3 year period your postal vote will be valid up to the third 31 January from the date of your application. For example, if you apply for a postal vote between 31 January 2025 and 30 January 2026, your postal vote will expire on 31 January 2028.
If you applied for a permanent postal vote on or before 30 January 2024 then your postal vote will expire on 31 January 2026 if you do not make a new application.
If you do not reapply for your postal by 31 January 2026 we are required by law to cancel your postal vote and you will only be able to vote in person at a polling station until you make a successful reapplication to vote by post.
If you no longer wish to vote by post, please contact us and we can cancel your postal vote and this will stop reminder correspondence being sent.
How we will contact you
If we hold an email address for you we will contact you about reapplying for your postal vote by email. To check the email you receive is genuine:
- the email subject will be 'Breckland Council - You need to re-apply for your postal vote!'
- the email will be sent from elections@breckland.gov.uk
If we do not hold an email address for you we will contact you by post in November.
How to reapply
The quickest way toreapply for your postal vote (opens new window) is online.
What you need to reapply
You will need to provide your date of birth and your National Insurance number so that your identity can be verified with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) records.
If we are unable to verify your identity you will need to provide supporting documents and it will take longer to process your application. A driver's licence or passport can be used to verify your identity.
You will also have to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
If I reapply late, will this affect when I receive my postal ballot pack?
If you reapply after the deadline of 31 January 2026 you may receive your postal ballot pack later than those who reapply before the deadline. There will be two postal vote despatches for the elections in May 2026; the first despatch will be for those who already have a postal vote in place, the second despatch will be for those who apply later.
To receive a postal ballot pack for an election you must make a valid application by 5pm, 11 working days prior to the election date.