Voting by Proxy
Voting by proxy enables you to appoint another person to vote on your behalf, either at the polling station or by post.
Who can vote by proxy?
Proxy votes are available to anyone who is registered to vote. To be eligible for a proxy vote, you must tell us the reason why you are unable to vote yourself. This may be because:
- You have a physical disability. In this case, you may have to include a declaration that the information is correct by a doctor, nurse or warden of a home.
- Your work takes you away from home either on a permanent basis or on the particular day of the election.
- You will be on holiday when the election is taking place.
- You have moved house since you registered and are unable to go to your old polling station.
Applying to vote by proxy
The person you appoint to vote as your proxy must also be individually registered to vote. They may not act as proxy for more than two electors (unless related).
If you appoint a proxy, you can still attend a polling station and personally cast your vote provided that the proxy has not already voted on your behalf or asked for a postal vote.
The deadline for applying to vote by proxy is normally 6 working days before an election.
If you have a medical emergency after the deadline you can apply to vote by emergency proxy if the emergency means that you cannot go to the polling station in person.
You can also apply to vote by emergency proxy if your occupation, service or employment means that you cannot go to the polling station in person, and you only become aware of this fact after the deadline.
You can apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on polling day.