Residents in Hertsmere who usually vote by post are being reminded that they may need to reapply for their postal vote due to recent changes in electoral law.
If you applied for a postal vote before 31 October 2023, you must submit a new application by 31 January 2026 to continue voting by post.
The Electoral Services team will be contacting all voters affected by this change.
- Those who have provided an email address will receive a message from hertsmere.elections@notifications.service.gov.uk with instructions on how to reapply.
- If no email address is held, or if there is no response to the email, a letter will be sent outlining the next steps to complete your reapplication.
The quickest and easiest way to reapply is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
To complete your application, you will need to provide:
- Your full name and address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- A photo or scanned image of your handwritten signature, made in black ink on plain white paper
These updates follow national legislative changes designed to strengthen the security of postal voting. The new process ensures that local authorities hold the most up-to-date information and helps protect against misuse of postal votes by verifying personal identifiers such as signatures and dates of birth.
Anastasia Evans, Electoral Services Manager at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “It’s really important that residents who vote by post are aware of these new legal requirements and take action before the deadline. Reapplying for your postal vote is quick and simple, and helps ensure your details remain accurate and secure. We encourage everyone affected to renew their application as soon as possible.”
If a new application is not received by 31 January 2026, your existing postal vote will be cancelled. However, you can reapply at any time in the future for any elections you are eligible to vote in.
These changes apply to UK Parliamentary elections (including by-elections and recall petitions), local elections, and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
For more information, visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/your-council/elections/postal-vote-reapplication, or contact the Electoral Services team at elections@hertsmere.gov.uk.