New proxy vote application forms must be used from 31 October 2023. You can apply online if you wish - see below for more information.
Apply for a proxy vote
From 31 October 2023, most electors can apply for most types of absent vote online.
Electors can apply for the following proxy votes online and by a paper application:
- Proxy vote for a particular election or referendum
- Proxy application for definite or indefinite period for overseas and service electors
Electors cannot apply for the following types of proxy vote online but can apply by a paper application form):
- Proxy application for definite or indefinite period due to disability
- Proxy application for definite or indefinite period due to employment, service etc.
- Emergency proxy application
If you want to use a paper form, you can download an application form from the Government website.
If you are an anonymously registered elector, you can only apply for a proxy vote on a paper form. You cannot apply online.
If you are unable to sign your application form, please ask us for a waiver, to exempt you from signing.
The deadline for proxy applications is 5pm, 6 working days before an election. This excludes Saturdays, Sundays, Good Friday and any other bank holiday.
You can apply for a proxy vote at any time before the deadline. You don’t have to wait for an election to apply.
At election time, we will send you and your proxy a poll card confirming the proxy vote arrangements.
By law, you can’t sign an application on behalf of another elector, even if you have Power of Attorney.
Please be aware that to vote by proxy, both you and your proxy must be registered to vote. Your proxy must also be eligible to vote in the type of election they will be voting in.
Your proxy will need to show their own photo ID to cast your vote at the polling station. They will not need to show your ID. Please visit our Voter ID page for more information.
If your proxy cannot get to your polling station, they can apply to vote cast the proxy vote by post. However, if they choose this option, they will not then be able to vote in person as the proxy. People voting by post will not need to provide ID.
If you want to vote in person, you can do so as long as your proxy has not already voted or has a proxy vote by post.
If you live overseas permanently, you will need to register as an overseas elector.
For more information, please go to the Electoral Commission website.
Identity checking
From 31 October 2023, absent vote applications must contain a National Insurance Number (NINo). If you cannot give a National Insurance Number, you must give a reason why one cannot be provided.
We must verify your details in your application (name, address, date of birth and NINo) against Department of Works and Pension (DWP) data.
If an application fails to match with DWP data, we will ask you for documentary evidence to verify your identity. Where this is not possible, you must submit an attestation to confirm your identity.
Maximum period for applications
A proxy vote can be in place for:
- a particular poll (poll held on specific date)
- a definite period of not more than 3 years
- a maximum period of up to 3 years
Proxy voters can continue to put in place a proxy arrangement for an indefinite period (subject to a three yearly eligibility check and five yearly signature refresh).
However, all existing proxy voters must make a new application by 31 January 2024. We will contact existing proxy voters, inviting them to reapply towards the end of this year.
Change or cancel a proxy vote
The deadline for changes to an existing proxy vote is 5pm, 6 working days before an election.
If you want to cancel your proxy vote, you must do so by the above deadline. We will only accept a cancellation request:
- by post
- by e-mail
- by phone
- from the elector only.
If we cancel your proxy vote, we will write to you to tell you that you should now vote in person.
If you make a new application, this will replace your old arrangement.
To reinstate your previous absent vote you will have to complete a new application form.
Who can be my proxy?
Your proxy must be registered as an elector themselves. They must also be eligible to vote at the election that you want them to vote in.
A proxy can only vote for up to 4 electors. This must be up to 2 UK registered electors and up to 2 registered service voters or overseas electors.
Your proxy can be a friend or a close relative. A close relative is defined as your:
- spouse
- civil partner
- parent
- grandparent
- brother
- sister
- child
- grandchild
Please go to the Electoral Commission website to download a proxy application form for the relevant category.
Emergency proxy voting
If you have an emergency and you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.
This must be for something you weren't aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline, which passed six working days before polling day.
You can only vote by emergency proxy for the following reasons:
- medical emergency
- work reasons
- your photo ID is lost, stolen or damaged, and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed.
- your Anonymous Elector's Document is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.
The emergency proxy application must be received by our Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on polling day.
Please go to the Electoral Commission website to download an emergency proxy application form for one of the above categories.
