Every January we are legally required to write to all absent voters (either postal or proxy) whose signatures are more than 5 years old on 31 January, asking them to provide a fresh signature.
We already hold a specimen signature and the date of birth for people who have opted to vote by post. This was provided as part of their original absent vote application and is used for comparison against the signature and date of birth they must provide in order to vote. This is to reduce the possibility of electoral fraud.
If someone has opted to vote by proxy, we hold a copy of the applicant's signature and date of birth as confirmation of their consent to nominate a proxy. This consent needs to be refreshed every five years.
If someone has opted to vote by proxy and their nominated proxy wishes to vote by postal proxy, we already hold a specimen signature and the date of birth for the proxy who has opted to vote by postal proxy. This was provided as part of their original absent vote application and is used for comparison against the signature and date of birth they must provide in order to vote. This is to reduce the possibility of electoral fraud.
Absent voters who have been granted a waiver will not be affected by the refresh as they are exempt from providing a signature.
What do you need to do?
If you receive a letter from us you will have six weeks from the date of the notice to respond. If we do not receive a fresh signature (that is capable of being scanned) by that date, you will lose your entitlement to vote by post. You would then have to cast your vote in person at your polling station or make a new absent vote application.
If you no longer want to vote by post, then please indicate this on the form, sign and return it to us in the pre-paid envelope provided.
If you have a disability which means that you now either cannot provide a signature or sign in a consistent and distinctive way, or have difficulty reading or writing, please contact us.
A reminder will be sent to you approximately three weeks after the original form if we have not had a response from you by that date. Please help the council save money by replying promptly; this will save us having to send you a reminder.
If you have any queries about the process please have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions on the right. If you still require assistance, please contact us on 01604 837111.