Voting by post or by proxy
If you are not able to attend your polling station on the day of the election to vote in person, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy instead.
For more information on how to vote by post or by proxy, you can find out more information on the Your Vote Matters website, which is ran by the Electoral Commission.
Voting by Post
Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. Forms to apply for a postal vote are available to download from the Your Vote Matters website.
Postal vote application forms require a wet ink signature for security purposes. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to consistently sign your name you may be eligible for a signature waiver. This means you would be exempt from providing a signature when you vote by post.
If you need a signature waiver application, please contact the Electoral Services Unit on 0161 234 1212 or at esu@manchester.gov.uk You will not need to sign the waiver form but someone else must support the application on your behalf.
Instructions for voting by post are available in picture form as well as easy-read, large print, Braille and translations into other languages. Please ring the helpline on
0161 234 1212 prior to an election to request any of these.
Voting by Proxy
Voting by proxy means that you can appoint someone else to vote on your behalf either by post or at a polling station.
The person who votes on your behalf should be someone you trust and must also be entitled to vote in the election.
Forms to apply to vote by proxy are available to download from the Your Vote Matters website.
There are a number of reasons why you might need to appoint a proxy, so it is important to make sure you choose the right form for your circumstances and fill out all the relevant sections.