Changes to Postal, Proxy and Overseas Voting in Ribble Valley

And former Ribble Valley residents now living overseas are advised they are now able to vote in future general elections.

Postal and proxy voters now have to apply online to vote and supply their National Insurance number and a signature.

And they will need to renew their applications every three years.

There is now also a limit on the number of people proxy voters can vote on behalf of – up to two people living in the UK and two people registered as living overseas or on active service.

New postal or proxy vote applications must also now be made online at electoralcommission.org.uk.

But any Ribble Valley voter who holds a postal or proxy vote prior to October 31 2023 does not need to reapply for their vote until January 31 2026.

If you aren’t able to apply online, you can download the application form, complete it by hand and post it to Elections Team, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, BB7 2RA.

More than two million British citizens living overseas will now be able to register to vote in general elections following a rule change.

Previously, people who left the UK more than 15 years ago lost their right to vote.

But this rule has been abolished under the Election Act 2022 and British citizens can now register to vote in the last constituency they were registered to vote in before leaving the UK.

You can register as an overseas voter if you are a British citizen, or an eligible Irish citizen registering to vote in Northern Ireland.

Children who left the UK before voting age will also be able to register using the address of their parent or guardian.

You will need to register to vote at electoralcommission.org.uk and your registration will last up to three years, or five years for servicemen and women.

Further information is available at electoralcommission.org.uk, or by phoning Ribble Valley Borough Council’s elections team on 01200 414411.