Form

Apply to vote by emergency proxy if you are being detained for criminal conduct in a mental health hospital (Scottish Parliamentary and local elections only)

If you can’t vote in person due to being detained for criminal conduct in a mental health hospital and the proxy vote deadline has passed, you may be able to apply to vote by emergency proxy.

• From: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Published: 30 April 2026

Applies to Scotland

Documents

Application to vote by emergency proxy based on detention in a mental health hospital in relation to criminal proceedings in Scotland

PDF, 98.4 KB, 3 pages

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Details

Proxy voting means that if you aren’t able to cast your vote in person, you can have someone you trust cast your vote for you.

You may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you:

• can’t vote in person because of being detained for criminal conduct in a mental health hospital
• became aware of this after 5pm on the sixth working day before an election

You can apply until 5pm on the day of the election.

Before you apply

Your nominated proxy must be registered to vote and it’s for a type of election they’re allowed to vote in.

A person can only be a proxy for close relatives and up to two other people at an election. Close relatives are the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant.

Where to send your form

Return your form to your elections team at your council. You can find their details and more information on the Electoral Commission website.

Published 30 April 2026