A proxy vote is a vote cast by somebody on behalf of another.
If you are unable to get to your polling station and would prefer not to have a postal vote, you can appoint somebody else to vote on your behalf. This may be for medical or work reasons, or because you live overseas and you may not be able to send back a postal vote in time for an election.
The next local elections take place on Thursday 4 May 2023. For more information, visit Elections 4 May 2023.
Apply to vote by proxy
To apply to vote by proxy, complete the form and return to us. You must state why you want to vote by proxy (eg for medical or work reasons):
Complete the proxy voting application forms
Complete the voting by post as a proxy application form
Your completed application forms must reach us by 5pm on Tuesday 25 April.
The deadline for a proxy to apply to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April.
You can return them by:
- email scan or photograph to electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk
- post to Electoral Services, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD
- hand into the Civic Centre in Esher
Your appointed proxy must vote in person at your polling station, unless they applied to vote by post as a proxy.
Who can apply to vote by proxy
If you are registered to vote you can apply for a proxy vote for the following reasons:
- you are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election, for example, if you are away on holiday
- you have a physical condition that means you are unable to attend your polling station
- your employment means that you are unable to go to your polling station
- your attendance on an educational course means you are unable to attend your polling station
- you are a British citizen living overseas
- you are a crown servant or a member of the armed forces
- you are registered as an anonymous voter
Who is eligible to vote on your behalf
Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in that type of election and they are willing to vote on your behalf. They must be registered to vote themselves. You cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election, unless they are a close relative.
Voting on election day
Your proxy will be sent a proxy poll card before the election to tell them where to go to vote on your behalf.
If the voter can attend your polling station on election day, the voter can vote there as long as they do so before the proxy has voted on their behalf. The voter will not be able to vote at the polling station if their proxy has applied to vote by post.
Temporary and permanent proxy votes
You can appoint a proxy for a particular election or permanently.
Temporary proxy
If you appoint a temporary proxy, you must state why you want a proxy vote but do not need anybody to support your application.
Permanent proxy
If you appoint a permanent proxy, you must ask a doctor, nurse, carer, employer or other qualified person to support your application to confirm that the reason you are applying is valid. The form tells you who can support your application.
You do not need anyone to support your application if you:
- are registered blind
- receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance
- receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the personal independence payment
- receive an armed forces independent payment
Emergency proxy
You can apply to vote by emergency proxy, if after the deadline for temporary and permanent proxy applications, you are unable to vote in person because:
- you have a medical emergency
- you learn you cannot go to the polling station because of works reasons
- you meet the conditions relating to emergency proxies on the grounds of voter identification
Apply to vote by emergency proxy
Completed applications much reach Electoral Services by 5pm on election day.
