Form

Apply to vote by proxy if you're in the armed forces

If you're a member of the armed forces or their spouse or civil partner, you can apply to vote by proxy.

From:
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, The Electoral Commission and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Published
1 March 2017
Last updated
31 October 2023 — See all updates

Documents

Application to vote by proxy in England for members of the armed forces

PDF, 171 KB, 2 pages

Application to vote by proxy in Scotland for members of the armed forces

PDF, 168 KB, 3 pages

Application to vote by proxy in Wales for members of the armed forces

PDF, 187 KB, 3 pages

Details

Before you apply 

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy, as long as they are registered to vote and it’s for a type of election they’re allowed to vote in. 

How to apply for a proxy vote

There are different forms, depending on why you can’t get to the polling station. Make sure you complete the right one.

You may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if the deadline to apply for a proxy vote has passed.

Where to send your form

Send the completed form to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Other ways to apply 

You can apply online to vote by proxy.

Updates to this page

Published 1 March 2017
Last updated 31 October 2023 + show all updates

  1. You can now apply online to vote by proxy. The law has changed regarding people who can be proxies. The paper forms have been updated by the Electoral Commission.

  2. If you are registered to vote and want to vote by proxy in the 5 May 2022 elections, you must submit a proxy vote application form that is received by your local Electoral Registration Office before 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2022.

  3. You can no longer apply to register to vote by proxy for the polls on 6 May 2021. You can still apply for an emergency proxy subject to certain criteria.

  4. Updated to include new forms.

  5. If you are registered to vote and want to vote by proxy in the 6 May 2021 elections, you must submit a proxy vote application form that is received by your local Electoral Registration Office before 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

  6. Attachments updated.

  7. Forms updated with new data protection guidance.

  8. Information added to explain that it's now too late to apply by poxy for the 3 May elections.

  9. First published.

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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