Proxy voting

Only a registered voter can apply for a vote by proxy.

Only a registered voter can vote by proxy on their behalf.

Read the register to vote web page. You need to be 18 years old to vote.

What is proxy voting?

Proxy voting means that if you are not able to cast your vote in person, you can have someone you trust cast your vote for you.

A person cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election, or referendum, unless they are a close relative.

If you apply for a proxy vote for a particular election, you do not need anyone to support your application, but you do need to give a reason, for example, holidays, illness, employment.

If you wish to have a proxy vote for a specific period of time, or permanently, you need to give the reason and ask someone, for example, your doctor, nurse, or employer, to sign your application.

All proxy vote applicants must supply their signature and date of birth on the application form.

From May 2023 a proxy must bring a form of photographic ID with them to vote at the polling station.

Voting by Emergency proxy

You can ask for an emergency proxy vote in the event of a medical emergency, if you are away for work or if you are self-isolating due to COVID-19.

Requesting a proxy vote application form

Contact the Elections Office to ask for a proxy vote application form. This will speed up your application, as the form will already have your name and address printed on it and a barcode to assist the Elections team.

Or:

Apply to vote by proxy on the Electoral Commission website to download a proxy voting form or an emergency proxy voting form and for more details about proxy voting.

Completed application forms must reach the Elections Office by the deadline for that election. When an election is to take place, we will publish the deadline for proxy voting applications along with other election deadlines.