READING Borough Council has said that around 11,000 people still need to reapply for their postal vote.
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, all postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years.
All postal voters who made their current application before October 31 2023 are required to reapply for their postal vote by January 31, 2026.
If a new application is not received by this date, the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel the postal vote.
This means the relevant electors will have to vote at a polling station until a new postal vote application is received or a proxy is appointed.
For people who have not yet made a new application, an official removal notice letter shall be despatched in February 2026.
The Elections Act 2022 introduced changes for voters who applied for a postal vote after October 2023.
These changes mean voters will be required to provide their date of birth, National Insurance Number, and a signature.
Electors must prove suitable identity as part of the application process, and where voters are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature, they are asked to contact Electoral Services.
The quickest and simplest way for electors to register is online via: gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
Alternatively they can contact the elections team and request a form to be posted to them.
Responses should be made before September 29, ahead of any further rimders
Electors can contact elections@reading.gov.uk or by letter to: Reading Borough Council, Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. Telephone: 0118 937 3717.
