Thousands of Fenland postal voters need to reapply under new rules

Previously, residents could hold a permanent postal vote, with only their signature needing to be refreshed every five years.

However, under new national rules introduced as part of the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years.

This means any postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 will need to reapply for their postal vote by 31 January 2026.

Electors who do not reapply by this date will have their postal vote cancelled.

Given the large volume of residents who will need to reapply, Fenland District Council is starting the postal vote reapplication process now to give people plenty of time to reapply before the deadline.

From Monday 22 September, the Council's Electoral Services team will contact affected postal voters by email (from elections@election.fenland.gov.uk) or by letter. Guidance on how to reapply will be included.

The quickest way to reapply is online at: Apply for a postal vote. Applicants will need their date of birth, National Insurance number, and an image of their handwritten signature.

If you are unable to complete your application online you can download a paper application form. You can also request a paper application form by emailing elections@fenland.gov.uk  or call Electoral Services on 01354 654321.

Cllr Chris Boden, Leader of Fenland District Council and Cabinet Member for Governance, said: Voting by post is a convenient option used by thousands of people in Fenland. This new postal voter requirement helps to ensure voter records remain accurate and up to date, and we want to reassure residents that the reapplication process is a simple one. We're getting in touch with everyone affected to make sure their postal vote isn't cancelled - so please look out for your email or letter and act promptly.

For more information, visit: Reapplying for a Postal Vote

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September 2025