Vote by proxy

Apply online for a proxy vote

You can now complete a proxy vote application online:

Apply for a proxy vote

For security reasons all proxy vote applications must include a signature, date of birth and your national insurance number. This is the case for both online applications and paper applications.

To receive a paper application form for a proxy vote please contact Electoral Services.

This form can be returned by email or by post to:

PO Box 151
Shute End
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 1WH

Proxy voting deadlines

Deadlines for upcoming elections can be found on our Current Elections webpage.

Your request for a new proxy vote application form must be received by us no later than 5pm, 6 working days before polling day. However, if you have a postal vote and wish to change to vote by proxy, the deadline to submit your proxy application is 5pm, 11 working days before the poll.

The deadline for emergency proxy applications is 5pm on the day of the poll. These are only permitted for people who find out that they are unable to go to the polling station either due to specific reasons after the deadline for appointing a proxy has passed. Some applications to appoint an emergency proxy need to be supported and signed by your manager, the appropriate medical practitioner, or a health professional.

If you have applied for a proxy vote, we will send your proxy a poll card about one week before polling day.  This will confirm they have been appointed to act as your proxy and allow them to go to the polling station you would have gone to and cast your vote on your behalf.

Your proxy will need a valid form of voter ID to vote on your behalf. If your proxy does not have ID they can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

If the person you wish to appoint to act as your proxy is not local they can make an application to vote by post as a proxy. This means an appointed proxy is able to vote on an elector’s behalf without having to visit the elector’s allocated polling station. To apply please contact Electoral Services.

Additional information regarding proxy voting:

• 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.
• Electors will only be allowed to act as proxy for up to 4 people, of which no more than 2 can be 'domestic electors' - i.e. not overseas or service voters.
• The maximum length of a permanent proxy is now three years

Contact us

• Our contact details can be found on our Contact Electoral Services page.