Vote even if you can't get to the ballot box

The information below applies to the normal election process.

Absent voting

An application for absent voting must be made no later than 5.00pm on the eleventh working day before an election.

Contact the Elections Office for an application form.

Postal voting

You can have a postal vote instead of going to your polling station. We can send it to any address, even abroad. The ballot paper must be returned by the day of the election.

Contact the Elections Office for an application form.

Postal Vote Instruction video

Proxy voting - appoint someone to cast your vote

A proxy vote is for when you cannot get to the polling station on polling day so you appoint somebody to cast your vote for you.

Your appointed person must be allowed to vote in UK elections and willing to vote for you.

You can only appoint someone to cast your vote if:

• You are an overseas or service voter
• You have a physical disability
• You are away from home due to work or a course
• You have to travel by air or sea to get to your nearest polling station

In all these cases (except if you are registered blind) you must ask someone to certify on your application that the reason is valid (for example, your doctor or employer).

You can contact the Elections Office for an application form or download one from the About My Vote website.

• Proxy vote application - About My Vote website

Postal proxy voting

If the person you appoint to cast your vote is going to be away from home on the day of the election, they can apply for their proxy ballot paper to be posted to them.