On this page, you can find out how to apply to cast your vote by proxy.
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.
Am I eligible to vote by proxy?
Only electors who are registered individually are entitled to apply to vote by proxy.
In addition, the person you wish to appoint as your proxy can only act as proxy if they are 18 (16 in Scotland) and are registered individually.
A person cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election or referendum, unless they are a close relative.
Find out more about casting your vote by proxy
Apply to vote by proxy
In England, Scotland or Wales, you will need to download and complete a form to apply to vote by proxy. There are different forms depending on the reason that you need a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for elections on Thursday 5 May has now passed.
Download the form to vote by proxy at a particular election or referendum (PDF)
After completing the right form, you'll need to print it, sign it, and send it back to your local electoral registration office. The deadline is usually 5pm, six working days before the poll.
Disability
If you can't make it to the polling station due to a disability, you can appoint someone else to vote for you.
Educational
If you'll be away on a course on polling day, you can appoint someone else to vote for you.
Download the form for a proxy vote as you're away on education (PDF)
Employment
If you'll be away for work on polling day, you can appoint someone else to vote for you.
Download the form for a proxy vote as you'll be away for work (PDF)
Overseas
If you're living overseas, you can appoint someone else to vote at a UK election or referendum for you.
Download the form for a proxy vote as you're living overseas (PDF)
Crown Servant
If you're away working for the British Council or as a Crown servant, you can appoint someone else to vote at a UK election or referendum for you.
Download the form for a proxy vote as you're working as a Crown Servant (PDF)
Armed Forces
If you're serving overseas, you can appoint someone else to vote at a UK election or referendum for you.
Download the form for proxy vote as you're serving in the Armed Forces (PDF)
Apply to vote by emergency proxy
In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you cannot go to the polling station in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on the day of the poll.
Emergency Proxy for a Disability
If you have a medical emergency occurring after 5pm, six working days before the poll, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy (until 5pm on the day of the election or referendum).
Download the form for an emergency proxy for a disability (PDF)
Emergency Proxy for Occupation, Service or Employment
If you are unable to go to your polling station due to your occupation, service or employment, and you only become aware of that fact after 5pm, six working days before the poll (until 5pm on the day of the poll).
Download the form for an emergency proxy for occupation, service or employment (PDF)
Northern Ireland
The deadline to vote by proxy at the Northern Ireland Assembly election has now passed.
