Voting by proxy

If you know that you won't be able to get to the polling station on polling day, you can ask someone you trust to cast your vote for you. This is called a proxy vote and the person casting your vote is often referred to as your proxy.

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

Steps to take

1. Check you're eligible
2. Choose who to appoint as proxy
3. Apply
4. Cancel your proxy vote

Check you're eligible

You must be individually registered to vote before you can apply for a proxy vote.

Choose who to appoint as proxy

Your proxy must be registered individually themselves, and also be eligible to vote in the election. They cannot be proxy for more than two people who are not family members.

How to vote by proxy

To apply for a proxy vote, you have to complete the right form and give a reason why you can't get to your polling station in person.

This may be because you are going to be on holiday or have a physical condition which means you can't get to your polling station on polling day.

If you have moved house, you will need to complete a new proxy vote application. 

The deadline for applying to vote by proxy is 6 working days before an election however you can apply at any time.

A proxy vote for a specific election

To vote by proxy for a particular election, use the application form to vote by proxy at a particular election or referendum. This could be because you are on holiday or away for work for an upcoming polling day.

A permanent or long-term proxy vote

Use one of these forms if you won't be able to go to the polling station for the foreseeable future, or a long period of time.

The application form you need to complete depends on the reason 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

The deadline for applying to vote by proxy is 6 working days before an election however you can apply at any time.

Emergency proxy vote

In certain circumstances, where you have an emergency that means you can't vote in person, you can apply for an emergency proxy. This must be something that you weren't aware of before the normal proxy vote deadline.

Application forms for situations where emergency proxy voting is allowed:

• You have a medical emergency
• You are away for work
• You cannot vote in person due to COVID-19. This form can also be used to change your nominated proxy if they cannot vote in person on your behalf due to COVID-19.

These applications can be made up to 5pm on polling day.

Print, complete, sign, and return to Electoral Services. You must sign your application form personally because we need a copy of your signature for voting security reasons.

Postal proxy vote

If your proxy cannot attend your polling station in person for any reason on the day of the election, they can apply to vote by post.

To apply for a postal proxy, both the proxy and the elector will need to complete a form. Please note that if your proxy has been allocated a postal proxy you will not be able to vote at the polling station, even if your proxy has not yet voted.

1. Download the postal proxy (pdf, 21 KB) application form.
2. Print, complete, sign and return to Electoral Services by email at electoral.services@richmond.gov.uk or in person to York House reception, Twickenham.

This must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before an election for it to be valid.

Cancel your proxy vote

To cancel your proxy vote you must write to the Electoral Registration Officer (by post, fax, or scanned email attachment in PDF or JPG format).

This must be received by 5pm, 11 working days before an election for it to be valid.

This is also the deadline to make changes to an existing proxy vote including changing your proxy vote to a postal vote.

Contact

If you have any questions or you are unable to print any of the forms above, please get in touch with the Electoral Services team and a form will be posted to you.