Vote by proxy

Everything you need to know about voting by proxy

What does it mean to vote by proxy?

Voting by proxy means that you nominate another registered elector to vote on your behalf.

Who can act as my proxy?

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

Registered to vote
Allowed to vote in the type of election taking place
Able to vote in the polling station stated on your poll card, unless they apply to vote by postal proxy

How many people can my proxy vote on behalf of?

Your proxy can vote on the behalf of up to 2 domestic electors and up to 2 overseas or service electors.

Can my proxy vote at a polling station or via post?

Your proxy will need to vote at your normal polling station. If your proxy is unable to attend your polling station in person, they can apply to vote by postal proxy. Your proxy must complete the Postal Proxy Application Form. The Electoral Services team must receive your proxy’s application to vote by postal proxy by the deadline shown on our current elections page. If your proxy has applied to vote on your behalf by post, you will no longer be able to attend your polling station to vote if your circumstances change after the deadline to cancel your proxy vote has passed.

What does my proxy need to take to the polling station?

Your proxy will need to take their own photo ID to vote. See the list of acceptable documents (PDF.) Your proxy does not need to take your photo ID or your poll card with them to vote. The polling station staff will have a list of all proxy voters, and the details of the person appointed to vote on their behalf.

What are the different types of proxy vote?

There are several different types of proxy voting, as follows:

Voting by proxy for a specific election - This type of proxy can be applied for by any type of elector and is only valid for one date. You can apply online by selecting ‘I have another reason that prevents me from voting in person’ and providing the reason you require a proxy vote. Or, an application to vote by proxy for a specific election can be made by downloading a paper form from the Gov.uk website.
Permanent or long-term proxy votes - There are several types of permanent or long-term proxy votes, each of which has its own specific qualification criteria.
Voting by proxy as an overseas voter - This type of proxy can only be applied for by those registered as overseas electors. For more information see our overseas electors page. You can apply online by selecting ‘I’m a British citizen living overseas’ as the reason you require a proxy vote. Alternatively, you can download a paper application form from the Gov.uk website.
Voting by proxy as a result of a medical issue or disability - This type of proxy can only be applied for by electors who meet certain criteria. The criteria to qualify can be found on the Apply to vote by proxy due to a disability application form. You can apply online by selecting ‘I have a disability’ as the reason you require a proxy vote.
Voting by proxy for Crown servants and British Council employees - This type of proxy can only be applied for by electors who are registered as Crown Servants or British Council employees, or by their spouse or civil partner. More information about registering as a Crown servant and British Council elector can be found on the Gov.uk website. You can apply online by selecting ‘I’m a crown servant, or British Council employee’ or ‘I’m a spouse or civil partner of a crown servant or British Council employee’ as the reason you require a proxy vote. Alternatively, you can download a paper application form from the Gov.uk website.
Voting by proxy for members of the armed forces - This type of proxy can only be applied for by electors who are registered as Service electors, or by the spouse or civil partner of someone in the armed forces. More information about registering as a Service elector can be found on the Register to vote (armed forces) Gov.uk website page. You can apply online by selecting ‘I’m in the armed forces’ or ‘I’m a spouse or civil partner of someone in the armed forces’ as the reason you require a proxy vote. Alternatively, you can download a paper application form from the Gov.uk website.
Voting by proxy due to employment - This type of proxy can only be applied for by electors who meet certain criteria. The criteria to qualify can be found on the Apply to vote by proxy due to employment application form. You can apply online by selecting ‘Because of my employment’ as the reason you require a proxy vote.

Apply for a proxy vote online

Where do I send completed paper applications?

Completed paper applications can be returned by either:

Taking a clear picture of the completed application form and emailing it to vote@wokingham.gov.uk or,
Posting it to:
- The Electoral Registration Officer, P.O. Box 151, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WH

Applications to vote by proxy must be received by the deadline shown on our current elections page. If you are currently registered to vote by post, the deadline to receive your proxy application is earlier.

What is the deadline for an application to vote by proxy?

The deadline to return an application to vote by proxy is by 5pm on the 6th working day before polling day. Deadlines for any upcoming elections can be found on our current elections page. If you are already registered to vote by post, and wish to vote by proxy instead, the deadline to submit your proxy vote application is earlier. Your application must be received by 5pm on the 11th working day before polling day.

How can I cancel my proxy vote?

You can cancel your proxy vote by submitting a web form. The deadline to cancel your proxy application before an election depends on whether your proxy has applied to vote on your behalf by post.

The deadlines for cancelling your proxy vote are as follows:

If your proxy has not applied to vote by post - The last date you can cancel or change your proxy vote is 5pm on the 6th working day before polling day.
If your proxy has applied to vote by post - The last date you can cancel or change your proxy vote is 5pm on the 11th working day before polling day.

I have appointed a proxy but I am now able to attend my polling station in person to vote. Is it possible for me to still cast my own vote?

If your proxy has not requested a postal vote, you will still be able to attend your polling station to vote if your proxy has not already voted on your behalf. If your proxy has applied for a postal vote, and the deadline to cancel your proxy vote has passed, you will be unable to vote at your polling station. If your proxy arrangements are in place for more than a specific election, you can cancel your proxy vote by submitting a web form.

Why have I received an email or letter saying you have been unable to verify my identity for my proxy vote?

When submitting your application you will have been asked to provide your National Insurance number. The information you provide when submitting your application is then sent to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to verify against their records. If the information you have provided does not match DWP's records, the Electoral Services team are required to request documentary evidence to verify your identity. See the list of acceptable documents (PDF.) Please do not send original documents in the post. You can return your proof of identity by email to vote@wokingham.gov.uk, or by post to Freepost: RTKL-JXUU-TLUB, The Electoral Registration Officer, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1GY

I am unable to sign my proxy application. How do I request a signature waiver?

If you wish to apply for a signature waiver, you can request this when submitting your proxy vote application online or by contacting Electoral Services.

How can I contact the Electoral Services team?

You can contact the Electoral Services team by using one of the options provided on our contact us page.