Postal and proxy voting

There are changes to voting by post and proxy. You can apply online to vote by post or proxy and need to prove your identity when applying. You also need to reapply for a postal every three years. 

Voting by post

If you know you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can vote by post.

You can apply to vote by post in one of the following ways:

• Online through GOV.UK portal
• Download, print and complete a postal vote application form (PDF)
• Contact our helpline on 0207 641 2730 if you would like to receive a paper application form by post

For more information, please visit the Electoral Commission website.

Voting by proxy

If you know you won’t be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote; the person casting your vote is often called your proxy.

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

Apply to vote by proxy vote for a specific election

• Apply online through GOV.UK
• Download, print and complete the form to vote by proxy at a particular election or referendum

A permanent or long-term proxy vote

If you won’t be able to go to the polling station for the foreseeable future or a long period of time you will need to complete one of the PDF forms below.

The form you need to complete depends on why you need a proxy vote. 

• you have a disability
• you are away on an educational course
• you are away for work
• you are registered as an overseas voter
• you work overseas for the British Council or as a Crown servant
• you are serving overseas in the Armed Forces
• you are registered as an anonymous elector

You can also apply online through GOV.UK if you live overseas or are a service voter.

To find more information on proxy voting, please visit the Electoral Commission website.

There is now a limit to how many electors someone can be a proxy for. You can act as a proxy for two people.

If you vote on behalf of UK voters who live overseas, you can act as a proxy for up to four people (but only two of those can live in the UK).   

Submitting your completed application

If you have downloaded, printed and completed a postal or proxy application form instead of applying online, you can submit your form by emailing a copy to [email protected].

You can also submit your form by post addressed to:

Electoral Services,

14th Floor City Hall,

64 Victoria Street,

SW1E 6QP.

Or use our Freepost address (UK only):

Freepost RTJY-BJSY-HULU, 

Electoral Registration Officer, 

64 Victoria Street, 

SW1E 6QP.

Signature waiver form

If you care for someone unable to sign the postal vote application form, they can apply for a signature waiver form.

To do this, contact Electoral Services.