From 31 October 2023, you cannot have a permanent postal vote. Postal votes will only last until the third 31 January after you first applied. For example, if you apply on:

• 1 January 2025, your postal vote will last until 31 January 2027
• 1 February 2025, your postal vote will last until 31 January 2028

If you send in a new application while your postal vote is still active, the three-year countdown begins from the date of your new application. You can still cancel your postal vote at any time.

If your postal vote is due to end, you will get a message by email or post with renewal instructions. This will happen about six weeks before it ends.

Your postal vote will stop if you do not renew it by the deadline, and you will have to vote in person at the polling station.

How to reapply

You can apply quickly and easily online. You will need:

• your date of birth
• your National Insurance Number
• a photo or scan of your signature written on plain paper in black ink

Your identity will be checked against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If the check fails, you will be asked to show evidence of your identity.

Renew your postal vote

If you cannot apply online, you can contact us to request a paper form. We will send you a form to complete and return to us.

How we will contact you

We will try to email you about renewing your postal vote. The email will come from:

• electoral.services.maidstone.borough.council@notifications.service.gov.uk

The subject line will say:

• Maidstone Borough Council – Absent Vote Renewal - ACTION REQUIRED

If we do not have your email address or you do not reply, we will send you a letter. You can help us reduce our carbon footprint and save money by responding to our email quickly.

Cancel your postal vote

If you would like to cancel your postal vote before the renewal deadline, you can send us a signed declaration by post or email. It must include:

• your full name
• your address
• a statement that says you would like to cancel your postal vote
• a handwritten signature
• the date of your request

Request a paper form

Email electoralservices@maidstone.gov.uk to request a paper form or to submit your postal vote cancellation.

You can post or hand-deliver your completed form to:

For more information about any of the voting options, you can email or phone the Electoral Services Office on 01622 602 007.

Phone lines are open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. We are closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm each day.