Rochdale Borough Council is reminding postal voters they must renew their application to continue voting by post.
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 all postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every 3 years. If you chose to vote by post before October 2023 and wish to continue to do so you need to re-apply by 31 January 2026.
If a new application is not received by this date, the council’s electoral services team is required by law to cancel the postal vote, and you will have to vote at a polling station until a new postal vote application is received, or a proxy appointed.
‘Ensure your voice continues to be heard’
During July and August, affected electors were contacted by post and email with information about how to re-apply for a postal vote. You need your national insurance number and a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper. Re-apply for postal voting online
If you have any questions, you can call the council on 0300 303 0345.
Following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022 all postal voters are now required to reapply for their postal vote every 3 years.
Clare Poole, elections manager at Rochdale Borough Council said:
"Renewing your postal vote is essential to ensure your voice continues to be heard in future elections. With new legislation requiring reapplication every 3 years, and local elections in May, we've contacted voters well in advance to make the process as smooth as possible. If you haven’t yet re-applied and want to continue voting by post, please act promptly—your vote matters, and we want to make sure it counts."
If you’ve already returned a postal vote renewal form but haven’t received a confirmation, the council are processing a high number of applications and will respond shortly.
If you no longer want a postal vote you can request to cancel it. Send your full name, address and handwritten signature to:
Electoral Services
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1AZ
You can also email a photograph of your written request to elections@rochdale.gov.uk