Postal vote renewal

Renewal of Postal Vote Signature

The Elections Act 2022 requires all postal voters who completed a postal vote application form before 31 October 2023 to renew their postal vote no later than 31 January 2026.

The new postal vote will be in place for a maximum of three years, following which the elector will need to make a new application.  The easiest way to reapply for a postal vote is online at apply for a postal vote

We have sent emails to affected voters who have provided us with their email address. This email is to advise postal voters to reapply for their postal vote before 31 January 2026. Postal voters who we do not hold an email address for will have received an invitation to renew their postal vote through the post around 30 April 2025.

So that you can spot a genuine email from us, the email title will be 'Reapply to Vote by Post - St Helens Borough Council' and the sender is electoral.services.st.helens.borough.council@notifications.service.gov.uk.  If you are hesitant about clicking on the link contained within the email you can visit the government website to update your details.

If you have not yet responded to this communication, please do so as soon as possible. We have started the process early for applications to be processed and queries responded to in sufficient time in advance of the scheduled whole council elections scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026.

If you are unable to complete your application online you can download a paper application form. You can also request a paper application form by emailing elections@sthelens.gov.uk or call Electoral Services on 01744 676464.

Unable to sign your signature consistently?

If you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same but still want to vote by post, you may be able to apply for a postal vote signature waiver.

You can apply online at apply for a postal vote. You will be required to provide a reason why you are unable to provide a consistent signature. If you have had help completing the application, that person will be required to supply their details.

If you would like a paper application, please contact the Electoral Services staff on the contact details below.

No longer wish to vote by post?

If you no longer wish to have a postal or proxy vote in place for future elections, please email us at elections@sthelens.gov.uk with your name, address and a request to remove your postal or proxy application.  

Be aware that if you are no longer a postal voter, you now need to take an accepted form of photo ID with you to vote in a polling station. For more information visit the voter ID page on the Electoral Commission website.

When is the next scheduled election?

The next scheduled elections will be the whole council elections which will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.