Vote by post or by proxy

Apply to vote by post or by proxy (someone else votes for you) if you cannot get to your polling station on election day.

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Vote by proxy (get someone to vote for you)

A proxy vote is where you appoint somebody that you trust to vote on your behalf.

Both you and your proxy must be registered to vote. 

You may need to apply for a proxy vote because:

  • you’re away on election day
  • you’re registered as a British citizen living overseas (parliamentary elections only)
  • you have a medical issue or disability that limits you to attend your polling station
  • the nature of your job or education course means you cannot go to your polling station

Your proxy must:

  • be willing to vote on your behalf
  • be eligible to vote in the same type of election as you
  • only be a proxy for up to 2 people (or up to 4 people if 2 of them are registered as overseas voters)

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is by 5pm, 6 working days before the election.

Apply online

You can apply to vote by proxy online.

Apply for a proxy vote – GOV.UK

Apply using a paper form

Download paper proxy vote application form – Electoral Commission.

Post your completed form to our Electoral Services team.

You can also contact us to ask for a paper application form.

If your proxy wants to vote by post

Your proxy can apply for a postal vote up to 5pm, 11 working days before an election.

If your appointed proxy is unable to go to your polling station on the day of the election, they can apply to vote by post on your behalf.

They must apply for a postal vote separately, even if they have already arranged a postal vote for themselves.

Once your proxy has been confirmed, we will send them a confirmation letter. If your proxy wishes to apply for a postal vote, they must contact us.

Apply for an emergency proxy vote

If the proxy vote deadline has passed, you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if any of the following apply:

  • you cannot vote in person because of a medical emergency or disability
  • you cannot vote in person because of your employment
  • the photo ID you were planning on using to vote has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
  • you’ve not yet received a new or replacement photo ID you’ve ordered

You can apply for an emergency proxy vote up to 5pm on election day.

To find the correct form, visit the Electoral Commission to download an emergency proxy vote application form.

Change or cancel a proxy vote

You can change or cancel your proxy vote by 5pm, 11 working days before the election.

To do so, you must contact us by email which must include:

  • your full name and address
  • the date from which you want to cancel your proxy vote

Contact us

Email: elections@woking.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01483 755 855

Write or post to:

Electoral Services team    
Woking Borough Council
Civic Offices
Gloucester Square
Woking
GU21 6YL