1. What is voting by proxy?
2. Who can apply to vote by proxy?
3. How can I apply to vote by proxy at a single election?
4. Who can be my proxy?
5. What is the deadline for applications for a proxy vote?
6. How can my proxy cast my vote?
7. If I have a proxy vote, can I still vote in person if I want to?
8. How do I change or cancel my proxy vote?
9. The deadline for applications for a proxy vote has passed. Am I out of options?
10. I’m a proxy voter but I’ve recently moved house or changed my name? What should I do?
1. What is voting by proxy?
Voting by proxy is when you appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf.
2. Who can apply to vote by proxy?
Anyone who is registered to vote can apply to vote by proxy at a single election. You will, however, need to provide a reason why you cannot attend the polling station (e.g. you will be on holiday).
The rules surrounding long-term proxy appointments are more complicated. You can find out more here. Please contact Electoral Services if you would like to discuss the possibility of a long-term proxy appointment.
3. How can I apply to vote by proxy at a single election?
You can apply online to vote by proxy at a single election.
You can also apply by completing a paper application form and posting or emailing it to Electoral Services. You can download the relevant form here.
If you can’t print the form, please contact Electoral Services and we will be happy to send you a copy in the post.
4. Who can be my proxy?
Someone can be your proxy if they are:
• 18 or over;
• registered to vote; and
• eligible to vote in the elections in which you wish them to vote on your behalf.
A person cannot vote as a proxy on behalf of more than four electors, of which no more than two may be on behalf of other domestic electors. (A domestic elector is one who is not a service or overseas elector.)
5. What is the deadline for applications for a proxy vote?
In order to take effect for the PCC election on Thursday 2 May 2024, applications for a proxy vote must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024 (unless you are changing from a postal vote to a proxy vote in which case the application must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024).
6. How can my proxy cast my vote?
Your proxy can either vote in person at your designated polling station or they can apply to vote for you by post.
If your proxy votes in person at the polling station, they will need to show their photo ID (not yours).
If your proxy wishes to vote for you by post, please ask them to contact Electoral Services so the necessary paperwork can be completed. The deadline for a proxy to apply for a postal vote is the same as for a standard postal voting application (i.e. 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024 for the forthcoming PCC election).
7. If I have a proxy vote, can I still vote in person if I want to?
You can still vote in person at the polling station but only if:
• your proxy has not already voted for you at the polling station; and
• your proxy has not requested a postal vote on your behalf.
8. How do I change or cancel my proxy vote?
Please contact Electoral Services if you would like to change or cancel your proxy vote.
If you want to change or cancel your proxy vote in time for the PCC election on Thursday 2 May 2024, the deadline for doing so is 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
Please be aware, however, you can submit a new proxy voting application until 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024. If you submit a new application, it will automatically replace the old one.
9. The deadline for applications for a proxy vote has passed. Am I out of options?
An elector may appoint an emergency proxy up to 5pm on polling day in the following circumstances:
• in the case of a medical condition, illness or disability arising after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications;
• if their occupation, service or employment means they cannot go to the polling station in person and they became aware of this after the deadline for ordinary proxy applications;
• if they meet any of the conditions relating to emergency proxies on the grounds of voter identification (e.g. the accepted photo ID they were intending to use has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed after the deadline for making an application for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed, or has not yet been received if applied for recently); and
• if they are a mental health patient detained under civil powers.
Please contact Electoral Services if you would like to discuss the option of appointing an emergency proxy.
10. I’m a proxy voter but I’ve recently moved house or changed my name? What should I do?
Please refer to the relevant questions in the Registering to vote section of the FAQs.