Council urges residents to reapply for postal votes

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have advised their residents to reapply for their postal vote if they use the method in nationwide / local elections following a law change under the Elections Act 2022; which has meant that all electors may only hold a postal vote for three years instead of an infinite period and many entitlements will be ending early next year.

Everybody who was granted a postal vote before January 30 last year must now reapply for entitlement before January 31 next year under this new law; the council providing the advance notice for residents four months before the deadline to do this. They will also send written letters for those affected in the coming weeks, including details on how to reapply.

The quickest way to reapply is online through https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote, and this is recommended although electors can complete and return this application form via the reverse of their letters. To prevent a surge of applications towards the end of this applications period the council have encouraged voters to reapply at their earliest opportunities.

If postal voters do not reapply by the deadline of January 31, 2026; the council will be forced to cancel their entitlement with immediate effect as required by law. Notification of this cancellation will be emailed or written to the electors which will explain that they are only able to vote in person at the polling stations until they successfully finish their application.

Voters can email elections@fareham.gov.uk if they don’t intend to reapply for their postal vote entitlement and they are required to do this as soon as possible to avoid letters being sent; although they must also include their full names and address. Readers may also view this link for more information or contact the Electoral Services team on 01329824588.

PICTURED BY PIXABAY: Residents in Fareham have been reminded to reapply for a postal vote by January 31, 2026.