Vote by proxy
How it works
Voting by proxy means that you can appoint someone else to vote on your behalf. This person is called your proxy. You will need to tell your proxy wo you would like to vote for.
Your proxy can either vote at your polling station or apply to vote by post.
Someone can be your proxy if they are:
- 18 or over
- registered to vote
- able to get to you polling station on the day – if not they can apply to vote by post
- eligible to vote in the election
Your proxy does not have to be related to you.
New limits for acting as a proxy
At the same election, someone can only be a proxy for two people based in the UK. If they are acting as proxy for people living overseas, they can act as proxy for up to four people but only two of these can be based in the UK.
What your appointed proxy needs to do on polling day
The person you have appointed as your proxy will need to go to your polling station to cast your vote. Your trusted person will need to take a correct form of ID with them to the polling station so they can vote on your behalf. This should be their own ID rather than yours. Learn more about accepted forms of photo ID.
Reasons for making an application to vote by proxy for definite or indefinite period
You can apply for a postal vote for different time periods:
- an indefinite period
- a definite period
- a particular poll
While everyone is entitled to a proxy vote at a particular poll, applications for a definite or indefinite period require a specific reason.
These reasons are:
- blindness
- other disability (the disability must be specified)
- occupation / employment / service / attendance on a course (details must be provided)
- registered as a services voter or overseas voter
- registered as an anonymous elector
- journey necessary by sea or air to get from the registered address to their polling station
In some cases, an attestation in support of the application is also required.
Apply for a proxy vote
To apply for a proxy vote, you will need to make an application no later than 5pm, six working days before polling day.
When making an application to vote by proxy, you now need to prove your identity by providing your National Insurance Number, or the reason why you can’t provide one.
If we are not able to verify your identity, we will ask you to provide additional evidence to confirm your identity.
You can now choose to apply online to vote by proxy at http://www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote
Alternatively, we can send you an application form in the post, which you can request by completing the postal and proxy application request form.
Applying to vote by post as a proxy
If you have been appointed as a proxy and you are not able to go to their polling station, you can apply to vote by post.
To apply for a proxy vote, you will need to make an application no later than 5pm, eleven working days before polling day.
When making an application to vote by post as a proxy, you now need to prove your identity by providing your National Insurance Number, or the reason why you can’t provide one.
There is currently no option to apply for a postal vote as a proxy online. You will need to complete a paper application form, which can request by completing the postal and proxy application request form.
Cancelling or amending your proxy vote
If you no longer wish to have a proxy vote, you need to let us know in writing, providing your full name, full address and you must sign the letter.
If you wish to amend your proxy vote, you will need to submit a new proxy application.
The deadline to cancel or change an existing proxy vote is 5pm on the eleventh working day before an election or referendum.