Form

Apply to vote by proxy if you're in the armed forces

If you're a member of the armed forces or their spouse or civil partner, you can apply to vote by proxy.

Documents

Details

Before you apply 

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy, as long as they are registered to vote and it’s for a type of election they’re allowed to vote in. 

How to apply for a proxy vote

There are different forms, depending on why you can’t get to the polling station. Make sure you complete the right one.

You may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if the deadline to apply for a proxy vote has passed.

Where to send your form

Send the completed form to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Other ways to apply 

You can apply online to vote by proxy.

Published 1 March 2017
Last updated 31 October 2023 + show all updates
  1. You can now apply online to vote by proxy. The law has changed regarding people who can be proxies. The paper forms have been updated by the Electoral Commission.

  2. If you are registered to vote and want to vote by proxy in the 5 May 2022 elections, you must submit a proxy vote application form that is received by your local Electoral Registration Office before 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2022.

  3. You can no longer apply to register to vote by proxy for the polls on 6 May 2021. You can still apply for an emergency proxy subject to certain criteria.

  4. Updated to include new forms.

  5. If you are registered to vote and want to vote by proxy in the 6 May 2021 elections, you must submit a proxy vote application form that is received by your local Electoral Registration Office before 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

  6. Attachments updated.

  7. Forms updated with new data protection guidance.

  8. Information added to explain that it's now too late to apply by poxy for the 3 May elections.

  9. First published.

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You need to register to vote in elections and referendums. You need to register again if you have changed your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote online
    1. Register to vote using a paper form
  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote
  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact your local electoral registration office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office
  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply no later than 5pm, 11 working days before the election.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland
  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    You must apply by 5pm, at least 6 working days before polling day.

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland
  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the local electoral registration office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the local electoral registration office
  8. Step 5 Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post
  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else