Voting By Proxy

• Who can apply for a proxy vote?
• A relative/friend has been suddenly incapacitated/taken ill. Can I vote on their behalf?
• How do I get a proxy vote?
• Who can be my proxy?
• I've been made the proxy for someone. What do I need to do?
• What happens after I've applied?

Who can apply for a proxy vote?

You can only apply for a long-term proxy vote if you have a specific reason such as a disability or being overseas.

To vote by proxy for just one election, you must have a reason, for example you will be on holiday or away due to work.

If you are suddenly incapacitated or taken ill, you can apply to vote by proxy for medical reasons up until 5pm on polling day.

A relative/friend has been suddenly incapacitated/taken ill. Can I vote on their behalf?

You can apply to vote by emergency proxy for medical reasons up until 5pm on polling day.

How do I get a proxy vote?

You can apply for a new proxy up until 6 working days prior to an election and you can amend an existing proxy vote at any time before 11 working days prior to polling day. If you are suddenly incapacitated or taken ill, you can apply to vote by proxy for medical reasons up until polling day. All applications must be received before 5pm on specified day.

Who can be my proxy?

Anyone who is eligible to vote in the election themselves can be your proxy. However, you can only be a proxy for up to two people who are not members of your immediate family. Your proxy can apply to vote by post on your behalf.

For further information, please contact electoral services.

I've been made the proxy for someone. What do I need to do?

It's very simple to vote as someone's proxy. You will be sent a special proxy poll card with details of where you should go to vote.  If you can't attend the polling place you can vote by post. You must apply for this postal vote before 5pm on 16th April 2008 (the 11th working day before polling day). Contact electoral services to find out how to do this.

If you are going to the polling place, just tell the staff there that you are voting as a proxy and they will tell you what to do. Don't forget to take your proxy poll card – this will make it easier for polling place staff to find the right ballot paper.

What happens after I've applied?

• Your proxy must go to your local polling place to vote. If your proxy cannot get to the polling place, they can apply to vote for you by post. They can apply to do this up to 11 days before Election Day. Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card, telling them where and when to vote.
• 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 in person as long as your proxy has not already done so or has not applied to vote by post for you.