About proxy voting

If you’re unable to vote in person on polling day, you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf at the polling station.

This is available to anyone unable to attend their polling station on polling day. It’s possible for anyone to apply for a proxy vote at a particular election, as long as they provide a reason why they’re not able to vote in person themselves on the day of the election. 

You can apply for this one off proxy online.

You can appoint a proxy permanently, but only in certain circumstances. You may also need to get your application signed, or provide further information in order for your application to be approved. You cannot apply for a long term proxy online.

Who you should choose

The person appointed as proxy should be someone you trust. Anyone may be appointed to act as your proxy, providing they are over 18 and registered to vote. They must also be eligible to vote in the election or referendum you want them to vote at on your behalf.

From 31 October 2023 there has been a restriction on the number of people a person may be appointed as a proxy for.

A person may only be appointed to be a proxy for up to four voters, however only a maximum of two of these can be domestic electors (i.e. not people who are registered specifically as Overseas or Service Voters). This is regardless of the relationship the proxy has with the elector.

The appointed proxy has to attend your polling station, so make sure that the person you appoint is familiar with where you would normally vote.

If the only person you trust to vote for you is unable to get to your polling station, they can apply for a postal vote.

Existing Proxy Voters

Due to the change in the rules of how many people a person can be appointed as a proxy for, there will be a requirement for all existing proxy voters to reapply for their proxy vote between 31 October and 31 January 2024.

The Elections Office will write to you between these two dates to advise of what you need to do.

Page last updated: 31 October 2023