Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022, postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every three years.
All postal voters who made their current application before 31 October 2023 are required to reapply for their postal vote by 31 January 2026.
If a new application is not received by this date the Electoral Registration Officer is required by law to cancel the postal vote, and electors will have to vote in a polling station until a new postal vote application is received, or if a proxy is appointed.
To vote in a polling station all electors are now required to bring in an accepted form of photo ID on the day.
We will contact all postal voters affected by this change to explain how to reapply. We will send an initial email to all electors that we hold an email address for.
If we do not hold an email address for an affected postal voter, we will send a letter containing information on what to do next.
The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is to apply online.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide your:
- date of birth
- National Insurance Number
You will also need to upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature, in black ink on plain white paper
The Elections Act 2022 introduced the following changes for voters who applied for a postal vote after 31 October 2023:
- electors can now apply online
- electors must provide suitable identity as part of the application process - your identity will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); if this identity check fails, you must provide evidence of your identity
- postal vote applications are now valid for a maximum period of three years and a new application must be made at the end of that time
You can spot a genuine email from us as:
- the email title will be 'Notice to reapply for a postal vote'
- the sender will be Chesterfield Borough Council - Electoral Registration Officer
We may contact some members of the same household in different ways, depending on whether we have an email address or not.
Please help us by responding as soon as possible.
You can apply for a postal vote here.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide your:
- date of birth
- National Insurance Number
You will also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature, written in blank ink on plain white paper.
If you’re unable to complete you application online you can request a paper application form by email elections@chesterfield.gov.uk or call electoral services on 01246 345402.
You can still apply for a postal vote if you cannot provide a signature, or your signature doesn't always looks the same.
You will need to give the reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature as part of your application.
If you've had help completing the application, that person will be required to supply their details.
If you prefer to complete a paper application, please contact us by phone or email and ask us to send you a waiver declaration. The waiver declaration needs to be returned with your postal vote application form.
You can find full guidance on how to upload your signature on the Gov.uk website.
Cancellations to postal votes must be made in writing, and this can be by email to elections@chesterfield.gov.uk or by post to:
Electoral Services
Chesterfield Borough Council
Town Hall
Rose Hill
Chesterfield
S40 1LP
Please include your full name and address when you contact us.
If you need any help or information please contact us by email at elections@chesterfield.gov.uk or by post to:
Electoral Services
Chesterfield Borough Council
Town Hall
Rose Hill
Chesterfield
S40 1LP