Voting by proxy
Applying to vote by emergency proxy
If the proxy vote deadline has passed you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you both:
- cannot vote in person because of your employment or a disability
- became aware of this reason after the proxy deadline
You can apply until 5pm on the day of the election.
An ‘appropriate person’ (for example your employer or a doctor) must sign the application form. Send it to the Electoral Services Department.
Emergency Proxy Due to Elector Self-Isolating
If you are isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test result or have started experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, you are able to appoint a proxy without needing an attestation from a medical practitioner. You can make this application up to 5pm on the day of poll.
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?
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
To vote by proxy, either as a one-off or permanently, you will need to contact us for an application form.
The person you appoint to vote as your proxy must 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.
Proxy votes can be sent to an address outside of the UK, but you should bear in mind the length of time taken to deliver and return your voting papers in time for the election.