Proxy voting

Any registered elector can apply to vote by proxy (appointing someone to vote on your behalf).

You have to give a reason to appoint a proxy such as:

• you will be away on holiday (in the UK or abroad)
• your work takes you away from home
• you are ill or in hospital so cannot get to the polling station on election day
• you are a British citizen living overseas
• you are a crown servant or a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

When can I apply to vote by proxy?

The deadline for applying to vote by proxy is normally 6 working days before an election.

However, if you have a medical emergency 6 days before election day or after, you can apply to vote by emergency proxy if the emergency means that you cannot go to a polling station in person.

How can I apply to vote by proxy?

You can apply:

• online by downloading the proxy application form or
• emailing electoral.services@waverley.gov.uk

After you have filled in the form make sure you have:

• signed it
• dated it

and post it back or hand it in to the council offices in Godalming.
The Burys
Godalming
GU7 1HR

If your application to vote by proxy is accepted your proxy will receive a 'proxy paper' which allows them to vote on your behalf on election day.

Who can vote on my behalf?

Anyone can be your proxy as long as they are eligible to vote in the election and they are willing to vote on your behalf. You cannot be a proxy for more than two people at any one election, unless they are a close relative.

What if I want to vote by proxy in all future elections?

If you wish to vote by proxy for all future elections, as well as giving a reason you will need to have your application attested (for example, if you work away regularly, your employer may sign your form or if you are unable to visit your polling station because of some disability then your doctor could sign your form).

Find out more at About My Vote.

Page owner: Teresa Maughan. Last updated: 13/06/2011 16:39