Apply for a proxy vote

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

Use this service to apply to vote by proxy in:

  • general elections and other UK Parliamentary elections if you live in England, Scotland or Wales 
  • local elections in England (including mayors) 
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales 
  • national referendums if you live in England, Scotland or Wales 
  • MP recall petitions in England, Scotland or Wales

You and your proxy must both be registered to vote in the UK before you can apply.

There’s a different way to apply:

If you’re registered to vote anonymously, apply for a proxy vote through your local Electoral Registration Office.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Start now

Before you start

Ask your proxy’s permission before you apply.

You’ll need:

  • your National Insurance number or any other identity document, for example a birth certificate
  • the address where your proxy is registered to vote
  • contact details for your proxy

You’ll also need to upload a photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper.

If you cannot provide a signature or one that always looks the same, you may be able to apply for a proxy vote signature waiver within the service.

Other ways to apply

If you cannot apply online, download and fill in a proxy voting application form. Send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you cannot sign a printed form, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you miss the deadline to apply for a proxy vote before an election, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote.

Get help applying

There’s an easy read guide about applying for a proxy vote online.

Update details of an existing proxy vote

Contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

Part of Vote in UK elections

  1. Step 1 Check if you can vote

    1. Check which elections you can vote in

  2. Step 2 Register to vote

    You’ll need to be registered to vote to take part in elections and referendums. You’ll need to register again if you change your name, address or nationality.

    1. Register to vote - apply online
    1. Register to vote - apply by post

  3. Step 3 Decide if you want to vote in person, by post, or by proxy

    1. Find out the different ways you can vote

  4. Step 4 Get ready to vote in person

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    If you do not have photo ID that allows you to vote, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

    1. Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

    Contact your Electoral Registration Office to find your polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility needs.

    1. Contact your Electoral Registration Office

  5. or Apply for a postal vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland - by post only
    1. Find out more about voting by post

  6. or Apply for a proxy vote

    In England, Scotland or Wales:

    1. Apply in Northern Ireland - by post only
    1. Find out more about voting by proxy - including when you must apply by

  7. or Get ready to vote as a proxy

    1. Check what ID you need to vote

    Contact the Electoral Registration Office of the person you are a proxy for to find their polling station or to find out what to do if you have accessibility issues.

    1. Contact the Electoral Registration Office

  8. Step 5 Vote in person

    1. Vote in person

  9. or Vote by post

    1. Vote by post

  10. or Vote as a proxy for someone else

    1. Vote as a proxy for someone else