Apply for a proxy vote
You can get someone else to vote on your behalf (a proxy) if you cannot go to the polling station in person.
Use this service to apply to vote by proxy in:
- general elections and other UK Parliamentary elections
- local elections in England (including mayors)
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
- referendums
- MP recall petitions
You and your proxy must both be registered to vote in the UK before you can apply.
There’s a different way to apply:
- in Northern Ireland
- for the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), Scottish Parliament and local elections in Scotland and Wales using a paper form
You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day.
If you miss the deadline you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote.
If you’re registered to vote anonymously, apply for a proxy vote through your local Electoral Registration Office.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Before you start
Ask your proxy’s permission before you apply.
You’ll need:
- your National Insurance number or any other identity document, for example a birth certificate
- the address where your proxy is registered to vote
- contact details for your proxy
You’ll also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.
If you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a proxy vote signature waiver within the service.
Other ways to apply
If you cannot apply online, download and fill in a proxy voting application form. Send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.
If you cannot sign a printed form, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.
Update details of an existing proxy vote
Contact your local Electoral Registration Office.