WITH JUST over two weeks left before the deadline to reapply for postal votes, more than 6,500 residents across Reading risk losing the chance to vote by post in May’s local elections.
Despite regular letter and email reminders by the council’s election team about the change in electoral law which requires postal voters to reapply every three years, latest figures show 6,580 out of approximately 18,000 postal voters in Reading have yet to reapply.
The council is sending out final reminder emails to residents this week.
Where residents do not reapply for their postal vote by midnight on 31 January, the Council is required by law to remove their postal vote.
Official removal notice letters will be despatched to residents who have not reapplied in February 2026.
Residents will still be able to vote in May’s election, but would need to do so in person at their local polling station.
Changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 mean postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years. Previously postal votes could last indefinitely, the main requirement being to provide an updated signature every five years.
All postal voters who made their current application before 30 January 2024 are required to reapply for their postal vote by 31 January 2026.
As part of their application, voters will be required to provide a date of birth; National Insurance number; a signature (where voters are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature, they are asked to contact Electoral Services); a suitable form of identity (ID will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If this identity check fails, electors must provide evidence of their identity).
The quickest and simplest way for electors to reapply is online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
Alternatively, if an elector is unable make an online application they can contact the elections team and request a form to be posted to them.
Electoral Services can be contacted by phone on 0118 937 3717 or by email at elections@reading.gov.uk.
Electors are being advised if they no longer wish to vote by post they should contact elections@reading.gov.uk or write to: Reading Borough Council, Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU or phone: 0118 937 3717.
Should electors have any queries, they should contact Electoral Services 0118 937 3717 or email elections@reading.gov.uk.
