Proxy Votes


You can apply for a proxy vote as long as you are on the electoral register. When you apply for a proxy vote you have to provide a reason. 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
Except if you are registered blind, you may have to get someone to support your application to confirm 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 6 working days before an election. However, if you have a medical emergency 6 days before election day or after, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy if the emergency means that you cannot go to the polling station in person.

Who can vote on my behalf?

Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in the election and they are willing to vote on your behalf.
You cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election, unless they are a close relative.

Downloadable Forms

ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy for a particular election
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy due to a disability
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy due to employment
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy due to attendance an educational course
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy for British citizen living overseas
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy for Crown Servants and British Council employees
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by proxy for members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces
ProxyVotes00Application to vote by emergency proxy

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

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

Why do I need to give my date of birth and signature to get a postal or proxy vote?

The Electoral Administration Act 2006 introduced new measures to improve the security of postal and proxy votes. From 1 January 2007 all postal and proxy voters in England and Wales will be required to give their date of birth and signature when applying for a postal or proxy vote.
I've been made the 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 letter with details of where you should go to vote.

If you can't attend the polling station you can vote by post. Contact us to find out how to do this.

If you are going to the polling station, just tell the staff there 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 station staff to assist you.
What happens after I've applied?
  • Your proxy must go to your local polling station to vote. If your proxy cannot get to the polling station, they can apply to vote for you by post. They can apply to do this up to 11 days before Election Day. Contact us for more details about this.
  • Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card letter, telling them where and when to vote.
  • You must let your proxy know how you want them to vote on your behalf, for example, which candidate or which 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 or has not applied to vote by post for you.



Page last updated on: 12/06/2007