Vote by post
Postal Vote renewal
Changes to postal voting - requirement to reapply
Anyone who applied for a postal vote before 31 October 2023 needs to re-apply for their postal vote before 31 January 2026.
The Election Act 2022 has changed the renewal cycle for postal votes.
You can hold a postal vote for a maximum period of 3 years and then you need to re-apply.
How do I know if I need to re-apply?
Around 13, 500 or our postal voters will need to re-apply.
If you complete the annual canvass form online, it will alert you to the fact that your postal vote is due to expire.
How do I re-apply?
The quickest and easiest way to apply is online.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide your:
- Date of birth
- National Insurance Number
- Handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper that you need to photograph and upload, using a smartphone or tablet.
If you are unable to complete your application online you can request a paper application form by:
- Emailing – elections@pendle.gov.uk
- Calling – 01282 661661 or 661919
If you no longer wish to vote by post, please contact us by emailing elections@pendle.gov.uk
Sending your postal vote
Take it to the Royal Mail post box as soon as possible.
If you can't do that, give it to somebody you know and trust to post it for you.
If you’re too late you can hand it in at Nelson Town Hall, or at any polling station in the Pendle Borugh Council area by 10pm on Election Day. You will need to complete a form or your vote will be rejected.
Do not post your postal vote through the letter box at Nelson Town Hall.
You can only hand in five postal votes plus your own (six in total).
Apply for a postal vote
You can apply online for a postal vote. You must be registered to vote before you can apply for a postal vote.
You will need your national insurance number and a signature to prove your identity.
You will need to reapply for a postal vote every three years.
If you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a postal vote signature waiver.
You might be asked for extra documents to identify you.
You can apply for just one election, for a specific time period, or for 3 years.
About your postal vote
Postal votes can be sent anywhere, either inside or outside the United Kingdom.
If the address is outside the UK, it will take longer to reach you. It will also take longer for your ballot papers to be returned.
If you move house, you must tell us, or you may lose your postal vote.
Before the election you will be sent a polling card which will state you are a postal voter.
When your ballot paper postal pack arrives, it will contain your ballot paper, a ballot paper envelope, a postal voting statement and a return envelope.
Please ensure that the statement is completed with your signature and date of birth. If this is not filled in correctly your vote will not be valid.
For more information see Electoral Commission Voting by post.