Voting by proxy

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If you are unable to vote in person at your polling station, you can ask someone else to cast your vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You must already be registered to vote in order to apply to vote by proxy.

Apply to vote by proxy

To apply online go to GOV.UK. The government portal is a secure site - the information required is:

  • Full name
  • Address including postcode
  • National Insurance Number
  • Date of birth
  • Handwritten signature

The person who can act as your proxy:

  • Must be registered to vote
  • Can’t vote as proxy on behalf of more than:
    • Two people, registered in the UK, or
    • Four people (two registered overseas, two registered in the UK)

The following proxy applications are available to complete online:

  • Proxy application for a particular election
  • Proxy applications for a definite or indefinite period for overseas and service voters

Complete a paper application form

You can also download and complete paper application forms if you prefer or if you require an ongoing proxy due to disability, employment or education as you cannot apply online for these applications.

New rules from 31 October 2023

There are new rules regarding the proxy application process.

These rules were introduced by the Elections Act 2022. You must now provide your National Insurance Number when applying to vote by proxy as we must now verify an applicant's identity.

Any applications received from 31 October 2023 that do not provide a National Insurance Number will be rejected and you will need to reapply providing the required information.

Using a proxy vote

If you appoint a proxy, the person you choose to vote on your behalf will need to go to your polling station here in Wandsworth to cast your vote or apply to vote by post as your proxy.

If they vote in person at your polling station they will need to show their own photo ID see Voter ID for further information.

Postal proxy

A postal proxy vote is where an appointed proxy is able to vote on an elector’s behalf without having to visit the elector’s allocated polling station.

Apply for a postal proxy vote

A postal proxy arrangement can only be put in place if the following applications reach us by 5pm, 11 working days before an election:

  • A proxy application containing the elector’s signature and date of birth, and
  • A postal proxy application containing the proxy’s signature and date of birth

Completed applications can be:

All applications must contain a handwritten signature (typed signatures will not be accepted).

If the signature on the postal proxy application does not match the one provided on the postal proxy voting statement at the time of voting, the ballot papers will be rejected.

Emergency proxy

You can apply for an emergency proxy vote in certain circumstances. 

Apply for an emergency proxy vote

Application forms for situations where emergency proxy voting is allowed can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

You can apply if:

  • You have a medical emergency
  • You are away for work, or
  • Your photo ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged

Note:

  • Your proxy must be registered and eligible to vote in the type of election in which you are voting.
  • Your proxy must be able to visit your allocated polling station on polling day between 7am and 10pm. 

Your complete application can be submitted in one of the following ways:

Please contact Electoral Services if you have any queries.

Easy read guidance

View easy read guidance about voting by proxy produced by My Vote My Voice.

Up to Ways to vote

Updated: 12/04/2024