Running electoral registration - Scotland

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.  

For more information, see our guidance on managing the process for informing postal voters of the requirement to re-apply.  

Refresh requirements for electors (excluding overseas electors) with a proxy voting arrangement at any poll

Electors (except for overseas electors) who have a proxy voting arrangement for any poll must be notified when their signature on the personal identifiers record is more than five years old that a fresh signature is required for their proxy voting arrangement to continue.1

For more information, see our guidance on refreshing absent vote signatures.

Overseas electors with absent voting arrangements for UK Parliamentary elections

The absent voting arrangements for overseas electors is linked to their electoral registration. They are required to reapply for their postal voting arrangement or refresh their proxy vote signature when they renew their registration as an overseas elector. 

For more information see our guidance on overseas electors.