Proxy application forms are available to download from this page.
What is proxy voting?
If you are unable to vote in person, you can choose to vote by proxy (someone else voting on your behalf). You can apply to vote by proxy for a particular election, for a set period of time or for all future elections.
Can I apply for a proxy vote?
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.
Who can vote on my behalf?
Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in UK elections and they are willing to vote on your behalf.
What if I am unable to sign?
If you are unable to sign, because of a disability, illness, you are unable to read or write or are unable to sign in a consistent or distinctive manner, you are entitled to apply for a waiver.
A proxy vote application form, combined with a signature waiver request can be downloaded from this page (above printing instructions apply), or can be requested by contacting our Helpline on (0113) 2224411.
Emergency proxy applications
It is now possible to apply for an emergency proxy, on the grounds of a medical emergency. You can only do this at the time of an election.
What happens after I've applied?
- Your proxy must go to your polling station to vote. If your proxy cannot get to the polling station, they can apply to vote for you by post. An application for a proxy to vote by post is available to download from this page.
- Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card before the election telling them which polling station they have to go to.
- 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 provided your proxy has not already done so or has not applied to vote by post.