Voting by Proxy at Elections
Can I apply for someone else to vote on my behalf ?
Under certain circumstances you can apply for
a proxy vote 
(23K) which allows you to nominate someone
else to attend the polling station and cast your vote.
You can apply for a
proxy vote (23K) if you meet one
of the following criteria:
- You are registered blind;
- You receive the higher rate mobility component of the
Disability Living Allowance;
- You have a physical incapacity; or
- Your employment is such that you could not attend the polling
station.
- You can also apply for a proxy vote for one election if you
will be away on holiday or away from home at the time of the
election.
If you apply for a proxy vote because you have a physical
incapacity or due to the nature of your employment your application
must be supported by a doctor or your employer.
Applications for a proxy vote can be made up to six days before
polling day but an "emergency” proxy vote can be applied for after
this date for those who could not have applied earlier because of
unforeseen health reasons. "An emergency” applicaton can be made up
to 5pm on polling day. Should you need an "emergency" proxy vote
application form, then please contact
Electoral Services.
Postal proxy
If you have been appointed by an elector
as their proxy then you can vote by post on their behalf.
This means that instead of going to vote
at the elector's local polling station, you can ask us to send the
ballot paper to your home address, or an address of your choice in
the UK. You then post your vote back to us.
Ballot papers are usually posted out on
the 10th and 5th working days before an election.
All ballot papers must reach us before
polling stations close on election day - either at the Electoral
Services office or at a polling station in the electoral area.
Ballot papers received after this time cannot be counted. If you
have a postal proxy vote, you cannot change your mind and vote at
the elector's polling station on election day.
If you have been appointed as a proxy
you can apply to vote by post at any time.
There are deadlines for receipt of
applications in respect of particular elections. These deadlines
are set out in the Notice of Election. Copies of this Notice for
forthcoming elections are displayed within the electoral area and
at the Council's main offices.
All applications must be signed and
dated by the applicant.
Emergency Medical Proxy
If you have had a medical emergency that
took place 6 days before an election or less, you can apply to vote
by emergency proxy. You can apply up to 5pm on Election day. But
remember, you must be registered first. You must give a reason and
your application must be supported by a qualified person, who must
also sign your application.