Postal vote reapplication
What has changed?
Postal vote arrangements can no longer be in place for more than three years, due to changes in national legislation.
This means that if you applied for a permanent postal vote before 31 October 2023 and want to continue voting by post, you will need to reapply before 31 January 2026.
How we will contact you
We will write to you to advise when your postal vote is due for renewal and remind you that you will need to reapply to be able to keep voting by post.
We will send an email to all affected postal voters who have provided us with an email address to advise that you will need to reapply.
To help you check if the email you receive is genuine, emails will be sent from electoral.services.solihull.council@notifications.service.gov.uk, and will be titled ‘Postal vote expiry - message from Solihull Council’.
Postal voters for whom we do not hold an email address will be contacted by post.
If you are contacted and you do not reapply your postal vote will be cancelled.
How to reapply
You can reapply for your postal vote at any time before 31 January 2026.
The quickest and easiest way to reapply is online at www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote.
If you are unable to complete an application online, you can download a paper application online. Completed forms can be emailed to election@solihull.gov.uk or sent in the post to:
Electoral Services
Solihull Council
Manor Square
Solihull
B91 3QB
As part of your application, you will be required to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper. Applications must also contain your name, address, date of birth, and national insurance number.
Your identity must be verified against records held with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If the identity check fails, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity.
Cancelling your postal vote
If you no longer wish to vote by post, you can cancel your postal vote by sending your request in writing either by email to Election@solihull.gov.uk or in writing to:
Electoral Services
Solihull Council
Council House
Manor Square
Solihull
B91 3QB