How to vote

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Voting by proxy

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including:

  • being away on polling day
  • having a medical issue or disability
  • not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to tell them which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for.

How to apply for a proxy vote

To apply, fill in the paper form to:

The deadline for returning your form is:

  • 5pm, 6 working days before election day in England, Scotland or Wales
  • 5pm, 14 working days before election day in Northern Ireland

This means the deadline for the May 2023 elections is:

  • 5pm on 25 April in England and Wales
  • 5pm on 26 April in Northern Ireland

Apply for an emergency proxy vote

If the proxy vote deadline has passed you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if any of the following apply:

  • you cannot vote in person because of a medical emergency or disability
  • you cannot vote in person because of your employment
  • the photo ID you were planning on using to vote has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
  • you’ve not yet received a new or replacement photo ID you’ve ordered

You do not need to show photo ID to vote in person in all UK elections and referendums. Check if you need to bring a photo ID to vote.

In England, Scotland and Wales, you have until 5pm on the day of the election to apply.

Fill in a paper form to:

Send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you’re applying for an emergency proxy vote because of a medical emergency, disability or your employment, your application form must be signed by an ‘appropriate person’ (for example your employer or a doctor).

In Northern Ireland, you can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 6 days before the election.

Check the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland website for details on how to apply.

How long your proxy vote is for

You can apply to vote by proxy:

  • for a single election or referendum on a specific date
  • for a specific period if you want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales
  • permanently

Who can act as a proxy

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy - as long as they:

  • are registered to vote
  • are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
  • can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card

They’ll need to take their own photo ID with them to vote in some elections.

If they cannot get to your polling station, they will need to contact your local Electoral Registration Office to arrange to cast their proxy vote by post.

Change or cancel your proxy vote

To change who acts as your proxy or to start voting in person, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you want to vote by post instead, complete a postal vote application.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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