How to vote

If you can't get to your polling station, you can apply for a proxy vote but you must be registered under individual electoral registration first.

A proxy vote means you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf on election day. The person you appoint as your proxy must also be registered to vote and is required to show their own photographic ID when voting at the polling station.

You can apply for a proxy vote for one particular election, for a specified period of time or for a maximum period of up to three years.

Everyone is entitled to a proxy vote at a particular election. Applications for a proxy vote for a particular election only require the applicant to give a reason for voting by proxy. Unlike a postal vote you must have a reason for applying for a proxy vote.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a proxy vote for a particular election is online. You can now complete your application using the following link:

Apply for a proxy vote

If you cannot register online, you can download a PDF application form from the GOV.UK website, complete it and return it to us using the contact details below.

If you cannot register online, you can download a PDF application from the GOV.UK website, complete it and return it to us using the contact details below.

View an easy-read guide to how to vote by proxy

While everyone is entitled to a proxy vote at a particular election, applications for a specified period of time or for a maximum period of up to three years require a specific reason:

• You or your spouse or civil partner is in the armed forces
• You are registered as an overseas voter
• You or your spouse or civil partner are registered as a Crown Servant or British Council employee
• Your journey from your registered address to your polling station is necessary by sea or air
• You are registered as an anonymous elector
• Because of your or your spouse or civil partner's employment or self-employment (details must be provided)
• You or your spouse or civil partner will be attending an educational course
• You have a disability (the disability must be specified)

If you are an anonymous voter or are applying for a proxy vote for the reason of employment, education or because you have a disability, you cannot apply online using the above link. You must complete a paper application form.

To request your paper proxy vote application form please use our online request form:

Request a proxy vote application form

Alternatively, you can apply in person at the Electoral Services Office.

The deadline for the receipt of new proxy vote applications for all elections and referendums is 6 working days prior to polling day. The deadline to change or cancel an existing proxy application is 11 working days prior to polling day.

Emergency proxy vote

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy.

This must be something that you weren't aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline:

• You have a medical emergency
• You are away for work
• Your photographic ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged

To see if you are eligible to apply for an emergency proxy and for information on how to apply, please contact the Electoral Services Office.

These applications can be made until up to 5pm on polling day.

If you already have a proxy vote

If you have had a proxy vote since before 31 October 2023, you must reapply and make a fresh application by 31 January 2024. We will write to you about this.

Changes to proxy voting limits

From 31 October 2023, the number of people a person can act as proxy for has been restricted. A person is not entitled to vote as proxy in any electoral area on behalf of more than four electors. Within the four electors, no more than two electors can be domestic electors (domestic electors are those electors who are neither service voters nor overseas electors).

How to cancel your proxy vote

If you no longer wish to vote by proxy, you can cancel your proxy vote and vote in person at your local polling station. To cancel your proxy vote please complete our online form:

Cancel your proxy vote