Vote by post or proxy

You can get someone you trust to vote on your behalf (a proxy) if you cannot go to the polling station in person. 

The person voting on your behalf can go to your polling station to cast your vote,  or can apply to vote on your behalf by post.

Who can act as a proxy

A person can be your proxy if they are all of these:

• aged 18 or over
• registered to vote
• eligible to vote in the election

Your proxy does not have to be related to you.  

For the same election: 

• a person can act as proxy for up to 2 people based in the UK
• a person can act as proxy for up to 4 people, if at least 2 of these people live abroad 

Apply to vote by proxy

Before you apply to vote by proxy, you must be registered to vote.

The application will ask you to give a reason why you can't get to your polling station in person.  Examples of reasons include: 

• you're going to be on holiday
• you’re away with work
• you’re unable to get to your polling station due to a disability
• you live overseas and are registered as an overseas elector

You can apply online or with a paper form. 

Apply for a proxy vote on GOV.UK

You can download the paper form: proxy voting application form: Electoral Commission. If you need the paper application form sent to you, contact electoral services.

Request a proxy vote paper application form 

Permanent or long-term proxy votes

Download, print and fill in a proxy voting application form: Electoral Commission, if you need a permanent or long-term proxy vote. 

You might need this if you: 

• have a disability
• are away on an educational course or work
• are an anonymous voter

To return your paper form:

Submit your proxy application form 

You can also return your paper form by:

• post: Electoral Services, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD
• hand delivery: Civic Centre, High Street, Esher

After you apply

We will send your proxy a proxy poll card before the election to tell them where to go to vote on your behalf.

You'll need to tell your proxy who you want to vote for.

You can still vote in person if you have a proxy vote, but only before your proxy has voted for you.  You cannot vote in person if your proxy has applied to vote by post.