Requirement for electors to re-apply or refresh their absent vote arrangements
A domestic elector can apply for a postal vote arrangement to be in place for a definite period or a maximum period of up to three years. The restriction on the length of time a postal vote arrangement can be made for means that if the elector wishes the arrangement to remain in place for longer than that, they will be required to make a new application when their current arrangement period ends.
You must notify domestic electors who have a postal vote arrangement in place for the maximum period before their existing arrangement ends to inform them of the date on which their arrangement will end and how to make a fresh application.
A domestic elector who has a proxy voting arrangement is required to refresh their signature every 5 years. For more information, see our guidance on refreshing proxy vote signatures.
Overseas electors absent voting arrangements are linked to their electoral registration and they are required to reapply for their postal voting arrangement or refresh their proxy vote signature in line with when they renew their registration as an overseas elector.
Our guidance on overseas electors has been updated to reflect changes as a result of the Elections Act 2022.