Renewing your postal vote

Postal votes are now only valid for a maximum of three years under the new rules in Election Act 2022.

If you vote by post, you may need to reapply by 31 January 2026. If you don’t reapply, your postal vote will be cancelled.

We’ll contact everyone who needs to renew their postal vote:

• if we have your email address, you’ll get an email between May and July from electoral.registration.officer@notifications.service.gov.uk
• if we do not have your email address, you’ll get a letter between August and October

You do not need to wait – you can renew now.

Renew online

You can renew your postal vote online.

You’ll need to provide personal details, including your National Insurance number. You’ll also need to upload a clear photo of your handwritten signature (in black ink on plain paper).

If you cannot apply online

You can download a postal vote application form and post it. If you cannot download the form, you can request a paper application form online.

If you cannot provide a signature

If you cannot provide a consistent signature (for example, due to a disability), renew your postal vote online and explain the reason in the relevant section.

If you no longer want to vote by post, email elections@portsmouthcc.gov.uk with your name, address and date of birth, stating that you want to cancel your postal vote.

You can contact us at elections@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9283 4074.