How do I vote?

A proxy voter is someone you nominate to vote on your behalf if you cannot get to the polling station in person.  You can apply for a proxy vote as long as you are on the electoral register.  However, when you apply for a proxy vote, you have to provide us with a valid reason.

Voting by proxy can be useful if you fall ill and are unable to get to the polling station on election day, or if you are abroad during an election.  It can be particularly useful if you are overseas in a country too far away to send back a postal vote in time for the election (for instance, if you are in the Armed Forces and deployed overseas).

To arrange to vote by proxy, you need to fill in an application form.  You'll need to print the form, complete it, sign it and send it back to the Electoral Services Unit.  You need to sign your application form because we need a copy of your signature for voting security reasons.  We know it's slightly less convenient than submitting it online, but it helps to ensure the security of your vote and prevent electoral fraud.

An alternative way of voting without attending a polling station in person is to vote by post.

Who can apply for a proxy vote?

You can only apply for a long-term proxy vote if you have a specific reason, such as a disability or being overseas.  To vote by proxy for just one election, you must have a reason, for example you will be on holiday, or away due to work.

You can apply for a proxy vote if:-

• You are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday
• You have a physical condition that means you cannot go to the polling station on election day
• Your employment means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day
• Your attendance on an educational course means that you cannot go to the polling station on election day*
• You are a British citizen living overseas
• You are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces

*University students may register to vote at their university address as well as at their home address, so they can choose whether to vote at home or at university.

Unless you are registered blind, you may have to get someone to support your application by confirming that your reason for applying to vote by proxy is valid.  Read the notes that accompany the application form to find out if you need to get someone to support your application - and who can do it.

When can I apply to vote by proxy?

The deadline for applying to vote by proxy is normally six working days before an election.  However, if you have a medical emergency after this deadline which would stop you from going to the polling station in person, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy.

Who can be my proxy?

Anyone who is eligible to vote in the election can be your proxy.  However, you can only be a proxy for up to two people who are not members of your immediate family.  Your proxy can apply to vote by post on your behalf.  For further information, please contact us.

A relative or a friend has been suddenly incapacitated or taken ill.  Can I vote on their behalf?

You can apply to vote by emergency proxy for medical reasons up until 5pm on polling day.

How do I get a proxy vote?

You can apply for a new proxy up until six working days prior to an election and you can amend an existing proxy vote at any time before 11 working days prior to polling day.  All applications must be received before 5pm on the specified day.

What happens after I've applied?

Your proxy must go to your local polling place to vote.  If your proxy cannot get to the polling place, they can apply to vote for you by post.  They can apply to do this up to 11 days before election day.  Please contact us to find out how to do this.   

Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card, telling them where and when to vote. You must let your proxy know how you want them to vote on your behalf (e.g. for which candidate or party)

If you are able to go to the polling station on election day, you can still vote in person, as long as your proxy has not already done so and has not applied to vote by post for you.

I've been made a proxy for someone.  What do I need to do?

It's very simple to vote as someone's proxy.  You will be sent a special proxy poll card, with details of where to go to vote.

When you arrive at the polling station, inform staff that you are voting as a proxy and they will tell you what to do.  Don't forget to take your proxy poll card - this will make it easier for polling place staff to find the right ballot paper.

If you can't attend the polling station, you can vote by post.  You must apply for the postal vote before 5pm on the 11th working day before polling day. Please contact us to find out how to do this.