Requirement for electors to re-apply or refresh their absent vote arrangements
A domestic elector can apply for a postal vote 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, they will be required to make a new application when their current arrangement period ends.1
You must notify domestic electors who have a postal vote arrangement in place for a maximum period before the existing arrangement ends to inform them of the date on which their arrangement will end and how to make a fresh application.
Refresh requirements for electors with a proxy voting arrangement at any poll (with the exception of overseas electors)
Electors who have a proxy voting arrangement for any poll (with the exception of overseas electors) will 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. 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.
1. Regulation 60ZA, Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001; and Article 6, The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 ↩ Back to content at footnote 1