Don’t risk losing your postal vote after changes in the law

Around 16,000 postal voters on the Isle of Wight are at risk of losing their “mail-in ballot” as a result of a change in the law. 

The Elections Act 2022 now requires postal votes to be renewed every three years.

All postal voters who made their current application before 30 January 2024 are now 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 person at a polling station until a new postal vote application is received or if a proxy is appointed.

Isle of Wight Council’s Electoral Services team will be contacting all those affected by this change in the coming weeks, explaining how to reapply.  They will be sending an initial email to all electors we hold an email address for, which will be sent from the electoral.services@iow.gov.uk email address.

All other postal voters affected, for whom the council do not hold an email, will receive a letter which will contain information on what to do next.  Isle of Wight Council Electoral Services is calling for people to reapply now, to avoid delays closer to the next round of elections.  In addition, completing a reapplication now will reduce costs if fewer postal reminders need to be sent.

Voters can reapply for their postal vote by using the following process.

How to reapply

The quickest and easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is on the GOV.UK website.
As part of the application, voters will be required to provide their:

• Date of birth
• National Insurance Number
• Upload a photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
  

Electors must prove suitable identity as part of the application process.  Identities will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If this identity check fails, voters have to provide evidence of their identity.

With the introduction of the Elections Act 2022 postal votes will now expire at the end of the third  January after an approved application. For example, an application made on 1 November 2025 will expire on 31 January 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reapply for a postal vote?

You can apply for a postal vote online, you will be required to provide your:

• Date of birth
• National Insurance Number
• Upload a image of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.

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 electoral.services@iow.gov.uk or call Electoral Services on 01983 823380

If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature but still want to vote by post, you can apply for a signature waiver. You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature. For example, due to disability or an inability to read/write. Please contact electoral.services@iow.gov.uk for further information.

How do I upload a signature online?

Find out how to upload your signature.

I can't sign consistently, what can I do?

If you are unable to provide a signature or a consistent signature but still want to vote by post, you can apply for a signature waiver. You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature. For example, due to disability or an inability to read/write. Please contact electoral.services@iow.gov.uk for further information.

I am unsure what my national insurance number is?

You must prove your identity as part of the application process.

Your National Insurance Number (NINO) within your application will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If this identity check fails or you do not hold a NINO, then you must provide evidence of your identity.

Get help to find your National Insurance number.

When is the next scheduled election?

The next scheduled elections will be in May 2026, (IOW Council and Hampshire & Solent Mayoral Authority). However, we advise that you apply early for your postal vote in the event of any unscheduled elections, so you don’t miss out on your opportunity to vote.

If your postal vote is already in place, your ballot pack will be mailed out at the earliest opportunity. If you wait until near to the closing date next April, you may only receive your postal vote a week before polling day.