Postal Votes - apply before 31st January 2027

The Postal Vote Reapplication Process – Members Bulletin

Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to apply for a postal vote every 3 years. Previously postal voters had to provide a refreshed signature if the signature on record was five years or older.

We currently have 1,019 postal voters where the signature we hold is approaching its three-year expiry date. To remain as a postal voter these people will need to reapply by 31 January 2027.

We hold email addresses for 806 of these electors, and they will be contacted via email encouraging them to re-apply online. The remaining 213 electors will receive a letter with a postal vote application form to complete along with reminders (if required) between now and the end of January 2027 both via email and post.

The reapplication process will start in September 2026 and then reoccur annually for only those postal voters nearing the three-year limit.

Electors can respond via the following methods.

• Online by visiting www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote - this is fastest way to reapply
• Completing the postal vote application form and sending it back via post or email to electoral.services@gravesham.gov.uk.

We will be making residents aware of the reapplication process by.

• A social media campaign
• An article in the Your Borough Magazine
• Updates on our website
• Liaising with Parish Clerks

You’re uniquely placed to help spread the word, so we ask that if you have family members, friends or constituents that have received one of our emails or letters, that you encourage them to reapply before the deadline of 31 January 2027.

Any postal voters who have not responded by 31 January 2027, are required to have their postal vote cancelled with written correspondence advising them of this. They will still be a registered elector and will revert to voting at their local polling station.

The information listed below shows the approximate number of postal voters, per ward, who will need to reapply by 31 January 2027.

Istead Rise, Cobham and Luddesdown (59)

Further information can be found at

Requirement for electors to re-apply or refresh their absent vote arrangements | Electoral Commission

Postal vote reapplications – Gravesham Borough Council