Postal voters across the Highlands and Western Isles are being urged to reapply for their postal vote ahead of the next UK Parliamentary election.
The warning comes from the Electoral Registration Officer after letters were sent to electors explaining new legal requirements introduced under the UK Elections Act.
Under the changes, domestic electors must now reapply for their postal vote every three years rather than having it remain in place indefinitely.
Anyone who has received a letter and has not already reapplied must do so by 31 January 2026 or their postal vote will be cancelled.
Electoral officials say the issue is particularly important in areas such as the Highlands and Western Isles, where many people rely on postal voting due to distance, mobility, weather, or access to polling stations.
Failure to reapply means affected voters will not receive a postal ballot at the next UK Parliamentary election.
The Electoral Registration Officer has confirmed that voters can reapply either online or by completing and returning the paper form sent to them.
Frank Finlayson, Electoral Registration Officer for the Highlands and Western Isles, said:
“Anyone who is used to voting by post should either go online or complete and return the form recently sent to them.
“If they don’t reapply, they will find their postal vote for the next UK Parliamentary election is cancelled.”
Electoral officials say the reapplication process is straightforward but stress that it must be completed before the deadline to avoid disruption.
Both Highland and Western Isles administrators have raised concerns that a significant number of people may assume their postal vote remains valid and could be caught out.
They are urging anyone who usually votes by post to check their status now rather than wait until an election is called.
Voters who need help or further information can contact the Electoral Registration Office directly by telephone for guidance on completing the process.
Further information on the postal vote reapplication process can be found by clicking here
