Half of Reading Postal Voters Risk Losing the Chance to Vote by Post

Half of existing postal voters in Reading risk losing the chance to vote by post at next year’s local elections because they have not yet reapplied.

Changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 mean postal voters are required to reapply for their postal vote every three years. Previously postal votes could last indefinitely, with the main requirement to provide an updated signature every five years.

In Reading, around 18,000 electors needed to renew their postal vote to be able to vote by post in next May’s local elections. So far, 9,086 are yet to renew.

Reading Borough Council has already contacted all postal vote electors who need to reapply at least twice this year. Where an email address is held, residents have had at least 3 notifications, including recently on 9 October where email and printed reminder letters were sent out.

Residents who have not yet responded are being urged to do so quickly. If they do not renew by 31 January 2026, the Council is required by law to remove their postal vote.

The quickest and simplest way for electors to reapply is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote. Alternatively, if an elector is unable make an online application, they can contact the elections team and request a form to be posted to them. Electoral Services can be contacted by phone on 0118 937 3717 or by email at elections@reading.gov.uk.

Electors are being advised if they no longer wish to vote by post they should contact elections@reading.gov.uk or write to: Reading Borough Council, Electoral Services, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. Telephone: 0118 937 3717.

Mike Graham, Electoral Registration Officer at Reading Borough Council, said:

“It’s concerning that there are currently over 9,000 electors in Reading who could be waiting for a postal vote for next year’s local elections that may never arrive.

“The Council is working hard to make contact with all of these postal voters, either by post or by email, or both. There are just over three months left now before these postal votes will be cancelled, so residents are urged to look out for emails and letters from the Council - including those that have already been sent - and act now.  

“Any resident who does not reapply in time can of course vote in person at their local polling station, but we know many residents prefer the ease and speed of voting by post.   

“As always, the quickest and simplest way for electors to reapply is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.”