Electoral Commission
Independent body that oversees elections and publishes guidance on registering to vote. Your council keeps the electoral register.
Home » Voting and everyday life » Apply for a postal or proxy vote
Apply for a postal or proxy vote
If you cannot go to the polling station, you can vote by post or ask someone you trust to vote for you (a proxy). The rules differ by election and nation.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: apply for a postal vote www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote | England, Wales, Scotland |
| GOV.UK: apply for a proxy vote www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote | England, Wales, Scotland |
| nidirect: elections and voting by post or proxy www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/elections | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Handled by your local council This procedure is done with the council where you live. Find your council »
Step by step
- Make sure you are registered to vote. For a proxy vote, your proxy must be registered too, and you must ask their permission first.
- Apply online on GOV.UK for UK Parliament elections, local elections in England, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and national referendums.
- For Scottish Parliament, Senedd and local elections in Scotland and Wales, use the paper form. In Northern Ireland, follow the Electoral Office process linked from nidirect.
- Apply early if you will be abroad: postal ballot packs are sent out no earlier than 19 working days before the election.
- To change or cancel, contact your electoral registration office no later than 11 working days before the election, by 5pm.
What you need
- Your National Insurance number or another identity document, such as a passport
- A photo of your handwritten signature in black ink on plain white paper
- For a proxy: the address where your proxy is registered and their contact details
Common mistakes
- Not reapplying after moving house. You must register again and then reapply for your postal vote.
- Applying too late to receive the ballot pack abroad. A proxy may work better if you travel.
- Choosing a proxy without asking them first.