Some residents who have opted for a postal vote in recent elections will soon be receiving reminders to renew their voting option.

Due to changes in the Elections Act 2022, people now need to reapply every 3 years to keep their postal vote active. This is a new rule introduced to keep voter records up to date.

The council is currently sending emails out to anyone who is due to renew their postal vote and has registered their email address with electoral services with the email sent from Electoral Services – Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Anyone who is registered for a postal vote but has not supplied an email address will receive a reminder in the post.

The easiest way to reapply or apply for the first time is through the government website. All you will need is your registered voting address, National Insurance number or ID and a photo of your handwritten signature (black ink on white paper).

If you can’t provide a consistent signature, you may request a signature waiver. Renewals only apply to people who registered for a postal vote before January 2024 as their three year registration period will shortly lapse. People do not need to reapply until they are contacted. If you are contacted, you must reapply before 31 January 2026 if you want to continue voting by post in future elections.

Not renewing your postal vote will mean you will need to vote in person at your allocated polling station at the next scheduled elections in May 2026.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “It’s really important to use your vote. We know that the convenience of postal voting suits a lot of people, and we have around 40,000 people registered for a postal vote with us.

"If people want to continue to have a postal vote, they will need to renew it when we contact them. There’s no need to renew it until that time, but if you forget or decide not to renew then you will of course still be able to vote in person.”

If you do not wish to continue to vote by post, then please contact electoral services in writing to cancel your postal vote registration via email or by post to: Electoral Services, Council House, Priory Road, Dudley DY1 1HF